Safety and Efficacy of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Lesions Located on Posterosuperior Segments: A Meta-Analysis of Short-term Outcomes

Introduction: Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) are currently acknowledged as safe and efficient procedures. LLR in posterosuperior (PS) segments are considered highly challenging procedures. The aim of our meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of LLR versus open liver resection on short-term outcomes for PS segment lesions. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials and Clinicaltrials.gov databases for articles was performed. Results: Five studies involving 531 patients who underwent resection for PS liver segments lesions were included. LLR were associated with reduced blood loss and overall complications. Operative time, blood transfusion, R0 resection, resection margin, hospital stay, and mortality were not found different among the 2 groups. Conclusions: Notwithstanding their highly demanding nature, LLR in PS segments are safe and efficient procedures in the hands of experienced surgeons. Further studies are mandatory to evaluate their effect in these challenging liver resections.