Trends in Minimally Invasive Approaches for Liver Resections–A Systematic Review

Background: SILS (single incision laparoscopic surgery) and NOTES (natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) are considered breakthroughs in minimally invasive surgery, the first consisting in the surgeon working via a single entrance site and the second via a natural orifice (e.g., oral cavity). Methods: Since 2000 until 2022, the original articles published in the online databases were analyzed. Eligible studies included information about the current therapy of patients with liver surgical pathology and how the two new techniques improve the surgical approach. Results: A total of 798 studies were identified. By applying the exclusion criteria, nine studies remained to be included in the review. Two out of nine studies examined the NOTES approach in liver surgery, whereas the other seven focused on the SILS technique. The age of the patients ranged between 24 and 83 years. Liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma or colorectal metastases were undertaken and biliary or hydatid cysts were removed. The mean procedure time was 95 to 205 min and the average diameter of the lesions was 5 cm. Conclusions: When practiced by multidisciplinary teams, transvaginal liver resection is feasible and safe. The goals of SILS and NOTES are to be less intrusive, more easily tolerated and aesthetic.