Successful application of indocyanine green fluorescent imaging for the non-invasive detection of postoperative bile leakage.

ABSTRACT

There is a lack of a simple and reliable method for the diagnosis of postoperative bile leakage. ICG is a water-soluble fluorescent contrast agent. After intravenous injection of ICG, ICG is eventually excreted only through the biliary tract system into the intestines. It is highly sensitive, stable and nonradioactive, and these characteristics provide a theoretical basis for using ICG to diagnose postoperative bile leakage. Two patients with postoperative bile leakage were successfully identified using indocyanine green fluorescent imaging for the first time, suggesting its potential to be a convenient and reliable method for the diagnosis of postoperative bile leakage.