Robotic right segmental hepatectomy for the treatment of a giant hepatic hemangioma—a case report

Abstract

Hemangioma is the most common benign hepatic tumor. We present the case of a patient with a giant symptomatic hemangioma, treated with segmental liver resection using the Da Vinci Robotic System. A 38-year-old woman presented to our surgical out-patient Department complaining about abdominal discomfort and recurrent episodes of acute abdominal pain. CT-scan and MRI imaging of the abdomen revealed the presence of a giant hepatic hemangioma (>5 cm) involving segments VI and VII. Robotic right segmental hepatectomy was performed. The procedure was successfully completed in 120 min and with intraoperative blood loss of only 450 ml. Postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day. In case of giant hemangiomas, a minimally invasive robotic major hepatic resection is a viable option that can be performed with minimal complications. A careful preoperative and intraoperative strategy is required, while significant experience in liver and robotic surgery is mandatory.