Laparoscopic and robotic liver surgery Improving imaging work-up, implementation, and outcome

The current thesis aims to improve the imaging work-up of patients with colorectal liver metastases by defining the exact role of liver MRI within the imaging pathway for colorectal liver metastases. Additionally, this thesis presents results of the implementation of laparoscopic and robotic liver surgery in order to further guide the safe dissemination of both approaches on a national and international scale. It also aims to critically assess the outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic liver resections to improve patient outcomes after liver surgery.
Part I focuses on the imaging work-up of patients with colorectal liver metastases amenable to local treatment. Part II describes and assesses the implementation of laparoscopic and robotic liver surgery. In part III, an attempt to improve outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic liver surgery is undertaken.
In conclusion, significant progress has been made in the diagnostic work-up of patients with CRLM and the implementation and outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic liver surgery. Hopefully, this thesis stimulates surgeons, oncologists, abdominal and interventional radiologists worldwide to consider the routine use of liver MRI in the diagnostic work-up of patients with CRLM amenable to local treatment. Furthermore, this thesis serves as a stimulus for surgeons worldwide to further enhance their laparoscopic and robotic liver surgery practice, striving for optimal patient outcomes.