Robotic and Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology: Comparative Effectiveness and Complex Indications

Robotic and minimally invasive approaches have reshaped hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and pancreatic surgical oncology, offering smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery while aiming to maintain—or improve—oncological radicality. Their adoption, however, raises key questions regarding comparative effectiveness versus open surgery, especially in complex and vascular resections and in patients with borderline or locally advanced disease. Technical demands, steep learning curves, the need for centralization of care, and variable access to robotic platforms further complicate widespread implementation. At the same time, innovative concepts such as extended resections, advanced vascular reconstructions, and the TRIANGLE operation are moving the boundaries of resectability. This Research Topic will explore how robotic and other minimally invasive techniques can be safely and effectively integrated into complex HPB oncologic surgery, and how standardization, training, and careful patient selection can translate into improved outcomes and value-based care.This Research Topic aims to critically evaluate the role of robotic and minimally invasive surgery in HPB and pancreatic oncology, with a particular focus on complex indications and extended resections. Key goals include comparing perioperative and long‑term oncologic outcomes between minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) and open approaches, clarifying indications for vascular, multivisceral, and TRIANGLE-type resections, and defining which patients with borderline or locally advanced tumors may benefit from these strategies.An additional objective is to characterize learning curves, centralization processes, and institutional pathways that influence safety, cost‑effectiveness, and equitable access to robotic and minimally invasive HPB surgery. The Topic also seeks to highlight technical innovations, standardization of procedural steps, and the interface between translational pancreatic cancer research and surgical decision-making. By integrating clinical data, technical expertise, and organizational perspectives, this collection aims to provide evidence-based guidance for implementing advanced minimally invasive HPB oncology in routine practice.We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles on topics including, but not limited to:- Comparative outcomes of minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) vs. open HPB and pancreatic oncologic surgery-Vascular, extended, and TRIANGLE resections for borderline and locally advanced pancreatic and HPB tumors- Learning curves, training models, credentialing, and centralization of complex HPB surgery- Cost‑effectiveness, resource utilization, and access to robotic and minimally invasive platforms- Technical innovations, standardization of robotic and MIS HPB procedures, and intraoperative imaging or navigation- Integration of translational and molecular data into surgical indications and treatment sequencingPlease note: manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analyses of public databases, without validation in an independent cohort or biological validation (in vitro or in vivo), are out of scope for this section and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic. Topic editors: Kongyuan Wei, Zheng Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76378/robotic-and-minimally-invasive-hepatopancreatobiliary-surgical-oncology-comparative-effectiveness-and-complex-indications