Minimally invasive major hepatectomies: a Southeast Asian single institution contemporary experience with its first 120 consecutive cases

Background The role of minimally invasive major hepatectomy (MIMH) remains controversial and questions remain about its safety and reproducibility outside expert centres. This study examines the changing trends, safety and outcomes associated with the adoption of MIMH based on a contemporary single institution experience. Methods This study is a review of 120 consecutive patients who underwent MIMH between 2011 and 2018. To determine the evolution of MIMH, the study population was stratified into four equal groups of patients. Both conventional major hepatectomies (CMHs) (>= 3 segments) and technical major hepatectomies (right anterior and posterior sectionectomies) were included. Results There were 70 CMHs and 50 technical major hepatectomies. Seven MIMHs were laparoscopic-assisted and 113 (94.2%) were totally laparoscopic/robotic. There were 10 (8.3%) open conversions. Comparison across the four groups demonstrated that with increasing experience, there was a significant trend in a higher proportion of higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score patients, increasing frequency of CMH performed, increasing frequency of multifocal tumours resected, decreasing use of laparoscopic-assisted approach and decrease in blood loss. Conclusion MIMH can be adopted safely today with a low open conversion rate. Over time with increasing experience, we performed MIMH with increasing frequency in higher risk patients and in patients with multifocal tumours but with a decrease in median estimated blood loss.