Robotic emergency liver resection of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundThe spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare complication. The management of this complication needs a stepwise, multidisciplinary approach which considers first of all clinical conditions of the patient and also the possibility of the best curative treatment. MethodsWe report our experience of an emergency robotic liver resection for a ruptured HCC in an elderly patient. Minimally invasive liver resection is currently recognised as a safe and feasible approach to the treatment of HCC in elderly patients. ResultsOur patient presented haemodynamic stability, which allows us to perform a robotic resection of segment 3. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the application of a robotic platform in an emergency setting for liver resection. ConclusionsRupture of HCC is an uncommon complication, burdened by a high rate of mortality. Its management still remains controversial. Treatment should be individualised taking into consideration the clinical status of the patient, tumour features and possibility of centre therapeutic strategy.