Surgery of the liver and bile ducts is a central focus of our clinic. We treat the entire spectrum of hepatobiliary diseases.

In 2025, a total of 182 liver resections were performed, of which

• 118 robotically assisted (65%)
• 20 laparoscopic (11%)
• 44 open-conventional (24%)

The focus is on complex resections, particularly in cases of bilobar or multisegmental involvement, impaired liver function and after multimodal therapies or multiple previous operations.(PubMed)

• Parenchyma-sparing liver resections
• Extended and multi-stage liver resections
• Regenerative strategies including portal vein and hepatic vein embolisation and ALPPS (Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy)
• Re-resections and complex revision procedures
• Resections for liver cirrhosis and impaired liver function

Our aim is individualised surgical planning with the best possible combination of oncological radicality and preservation of liver function.

Minimally invasive procedures are favoured whenever technically and oncologically possible.

• Use of the latest robotic platform: DV 5
• Improving precision in complex hepatobiliary procedures

Our centre uses two Da Vinci 5 systems for liver resection(press release Dec. 2025), making us one of the few international institutions with access to the latest robotic platform.

• Interdisciplinary tumour board indication
• Analysis of liver function, vascular anatomy and tumour burden
• Use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

Treatment planning is interdisciplinary and structured on the basis of a comprehensive preoperative assessment. Perioperative treatment is guided by standardised enhanced recovery protocols with the aim of a rapid functional recovery.(Press release Dec. 2025)

• Focus on minimally invasive and robotically assisted liver surgery
• Prospective and randomised clinical studies
• Development and evaluation of technological innovations

The clinic is very active scientifically in the field of liver surgery and is continuously involved in the further development and clinical evaluation of modern surgical procedures. A particular focus is on conducting prospective and randomised studies on liver surgery , including the publication of the first randomised controlled study on robotic liver surgery, which has made a significant contribution to the evidence for minimally invasive oncological liver surgery. The scientific profile is complemented by technological innovations, in particular the CRUSH technique(robotic parenchyma-sparing ultrasound-guided resection), the scissor hepatectomy technique (fully robotic technique of liver parenchyma transection) and the SAMBA technique for standardised tissue sealing in liver resections.

For joint therapy planning or case discussions, please contact the head of department, Prof Birgin, at any time.