[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/11\/liver-cancer-surgery\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/11\/liver-cancer-surgery\/","headline":"Taking Liver Cancer Surgery to New Levels","name":"Taking Liver Cancer Surgery to New Levels","description":"UPMC Passavant launched a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery for liver resection procedures, thanks to advanced robotic-assisted technology.","datePublished":"2020-11-09","dateModified":"2020-12-21","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC Hillman Cancer Center","url":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-hillman-cancer-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/2518_HBEAT517609_cancer_surgery_levels_hero_b.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/2518_HBEAT517609_cancer_surgery_levels_hero_b.png","height":404,"width":937},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/11\/liver-cancer-surgery\/","about":["Cancer Care","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":511,"articleBody":"UPMC Passavant now offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery for liver resection procedures, thanks to advanced robotic-assisted technology.“The only way to cure liver cancer is to cut it out with surgical resection,” says David Geller, MD, FACS, director of the UPMC Liver Cancer Center. \u201cThis technology means more patients can receive the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. In general, they have less pain, enjoy a shorter hospital stay, and experience faster recovery.”How Robotic-Assisted Technology WorksBecause the liver is tucked up under the right side of the ribcage, our ribs can act as a barrier \u2014 making it difficult to reach some tumors. With robotic-assisted technology, UPMC surgeons can maneuver inside the abdominal cavity and more easily perform delicate dissection and suturing.“Robotic-assisted surgery is a valuable addition to our minimally invasive surgery options,” says Dr. Geller. “It allows us to work in very small spaces. As a result, more cancer patients can have tumors removed laparoscopically, without needing a large incision.”Samer Tohme, MD, a surgical oncologist with special training in robotic liver surgery, now leads the program at UPMC Passavant\u2013McCandless. “The robot gives me a 360-degree range of motion. That allows me to get around difficult areas and structures,” says Dr. Tohme. He controls the robotic arms through a console.Several features contribute to a more precise and efficient surgery:A magnified 3D view of the patient’s anatomyThe ability to use tiny arms and instruments in the procedureThe robotic arms never become fatiguedWorking as a Team: Patient Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Liver ResectionA group of experienced surgical oncologists, nurses, technicians, and anesthesiologists work together in the operating room (OR). \u201cEven though we are using a minimally invasive technique, liver surgery is a very complex procedure. It takes a lot of orchestration in the OR to perform. We work as a team to take care of the patient,” says Melanie Ongchin, MD, FACS, chief of surgical oncology at UPMC Passavant.As Dr. Tohme performs the procedure, Dr. Ongchin remains at the patient’s side to change instruments and provide other support as needed.Instead of the usual four- to five-day hospital stay after open surgery, patients normally go home in just two days following this innovative procedure. Patients also typically have reduced blood loss, pain, and scarring \u2014 and recover faster, which means you can get back to doing the things you love.Trusted Cancer Care in the North HillsThe American Cancer Society predicts more than 42,800 new liver cancer cases will be diagnosed this year alone.Dr. Geller pioneered laparoscopic liver resection surgery. Since 2001, he and his team have performed more than 1,200 minimally invasive procedures. About one third of the surgeries were done at UPMC Passavant, where UPMC Liver Cancer Center services have been offered since 2005.\u201cThe benefits are huge, especially for patients living in the North Hills,” says Dr. Geller. \u201cWe’re providing a full-scale service for liver evaluation, surgery, and follow-up care. And it’s right in their backyard.” SourcesAmerican Cancer Society. Key Statistics About Liver Cancer. Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2020","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Taking Liver Cancer Surgery to New Levels","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/11\/liver-cancer-surgery\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]