Laparoscopic versus open caudate lobe liver resections: a 1:2 propensity score‐matched controlled study based on a single institution experience

Background Despite the wide use of laparoscopy for liver resection, laparoscopic caudate lobe resections(L‐CLR) remain technically challenging, only attempted by experts in the field. The primary objective of this study was to determine the safety and compare the perioperative outcomes of L‐CLR with O‐CLR based on our single institution experience in a 1:2 propensity score‐matched controlled study based on our single institution experience. Methods Between 2004 and 2020, 67 consecutive patients who underwent CLR at Singapore General Hospital were identified. Propensity score matching (PSM) of laparoscopic versus open caudate lobe resections(O‐CLR) was performed in a 1:2 ratio with no replacements using nearest neighbour matching method. Results L‐CLR was associated with a significantly decreased median blood loss (150 mL versus 500 mL, P = 0.001) and a decreased median post‐operative stay (3 days versus 7.5 days, P =