Robots beat surgeons at complex liver surgery

emirates7 - According to a recent study, robotic systems may be the optimal choice for performing complex liver surgeries.

Researchers at a major hospital in New York City reviewed 353 liver resections conducted between 2017 and 2023. These included 112 open surgeries performed through large incisions, 107 minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries, and 134 operations carried out using surgical robots, as reported by Reuters.

After adjusting for patient-specific risk factors and case complexity, the study found that patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic surgeries experienced median hospital stays that were 39% and 43% shorter, respectively, compared to those who had open procedures. Additionally, the risk of complications was 89% lower for laparoscopic and 62% lower for robotic surgeries relative to open operations.

The study, published in Surgical Endoscopy, also highlighted that robotic surgeries were 87% less likely to require conversion to open surgery during the procedure compared to laparoscopic methods.