Body mass index did not independently predict outcomes after robotic liver resection

Obesity alone did not predict worse results after robotic liver surgery at experienced centers.

• Non-textbook outcomes occurred in 22.0% of 2,905 patients across 29 centers.
• Unadjusted rates were 19.6% (normal) to 24.2% (overweight), with no independent link to body mass index after adjustment.
• Surgical complexity, indication, and extent of resection drove outcomes instead.

For patients with obesity who are already selected for robotic resection at high-volume centers, body mass index alone should not exclude them. The study does not address whether robotic, laparoscopic, or open surgery is the better choice for these patients.