A Singapore retrospective review examined over 300 cases of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) performed by a single surgeon without prior LLR experience. The findings revealed that open conversion rates significantly decreased among patients who underwent a totally minimally invasive approach, including robotic-assisted procedures. The study also determined trends, predictors and impact of open conversion to preempt perioperative outcomes and morbidity.

Major concerns of LLR are discussed, with learning points highlighted throughout the learning curve. In adopting such a procedure, surgeons should select cases with complexities appropriate to their level of experience to minimise the need for open conversion.