Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Surgery

Abstract

Comparative studies and large-scale case series that confirm the advantages of laparoscopy in children with hepatobiliary diseases are scarce, and the use of laparoscopy remains a matter of debate. This article reviews the current literature on the role of laparoscopic and robotic surgery in pediatric patients with choledochal cyst, biliary atresia, gallbladder diseases, and hepatobiliary malignancies. Studies were identified through a search of the MEDLINE database. Laparoscopy may be beneficial for resection of choledochal cyst and cholecystectomy. However, more data are required before recommendations on the use of minimally invasive techniques for other hepatobiliary conditions can be published.

Keywords: Cholecystectomy; Choledochal cyst excision; Hepatic biopsy; Hepaticoduodenostomy; Hepaticojejunostomy; Hepatobiliary disease; Kasai procedure; Laparoscopy.