Intravenous injection versus transhepatic intracholecystic injection of indocyanine green (ICG) to outline biliary tree during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: To potentially lessen injuries and associated complications, fluorescence cholangiography has been suggested as a technique for enhancing the visualization and identification of extrahepatic biliary anatomy. The most popular way to administer indocyanine green (ICG) is intravenously, as there is currently little data on ICG injections directly into the gallbladder. In order to visualize extrahepatic biliary anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), we compared the two different ICG administration techniques. We also examined variations in visualization time, as well as the effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks of each modality. METHODS: In this prospective randomized clinical study, 60 consecutive adult patients with chronic and acute gallbladder disease were included. Our study conducted from 2022 to 2024 in Surgical Department of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute. Thirty patients underwent LC with intravenous ICG administration (IV-ICG), thirty patients received a direct injection of gallbladder through transhepatic ICG (IC-ICG) and Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient data were examined. RESULTS: In terms of their perioperative and demographic features, the groups were similar. Without a statistically significant difference, the IV-ICG group's total operating time was less than that of the IC-ICG group (p 0.140). Compared to the transhepatic IC-ICG method, IV-ICG was more accurate in identifying the duodenum and the common hepatic duct (p = 0.029 and p = 0.016, respectively). In the transhepatic IC-ICG and IV-ICG groups, the cystic duct could be identified prior to dissection in 66.6% and 73.3% of cases, respectively, and this increased to 86.6% and 93.3% following dissection. In the transhepatic IC-ICG group, the common bile duct was visible in 93.3% of cases; in the IV-ICG group, it was visible in 90% of cases. Two cases in the IC-ICG group and every case following IV-ICG administration had liver fluorescence (6.6% versus 100%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The current study shows that for both administration methods, ICG-fluorescence cholangiography can be useful in identifying the extrahepatic biliary anatomy during Calot's triangle dissection. By avoiding hepatic fluorescence, the transhepatic IC-ICG route can increase the bile duct-to-liver contrast with less expense and no risk of hypersensitivity reactions than the intravenous ICG injection method. We recommend to use both techniques in case of acute cholecystitis with cystic duct obstruction. In cases of liver cirrhosis, we recommend transhepatic IC-ICG as IV-ICG is limited.

Novel advances in surgery for Gallstone Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Examine recent advances in the treatment of patients with complex gallstone disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for choledocholithiasis, resulting in decreased hospital length of stay and costs when compared with ERCP plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Novel simulator-based curricula have recently been developed to address the educational gap that has resulted in an underutilization of LCBDE. Patients with cholecystitis who are too ill to safely undergo LC have traditionally been treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided gallbladder drainage is a novel definitive treatment for such patients and has been shown to result in decreased complications and hospital readmissions compared to PC. The management of symptomatic gallstone disease during pregnancy has evolved over the last several decades. While it is now well established that laparoscopic procedures under general anesthesia are safe throughout a pregnancy, recent studies have suggested that laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the third trimester specifically may result in higher rates of preterm labor when compared with non-operative management. Finally, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence cholangiography is a novel imaging modality that has been used during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and may offer better visualization of biliary anatomy during dissection when compared with traditional intraoperative cholangiography. A number of recent technological, procedural, educational, and research innovations have enhanced and expanded treatment options for patients with complex gallstone disease.

Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography at a very low dose of indocyanine green: quantification of fluorescence intensity using a colour analysis software based on the RGB color model.

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography (NIRF-C) is widely used to visualize the biliary tract during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, the ICG dose and its dosing time vary in the literature so there is not a standard ICG protocol. The objectives of this descriptive prospective study were to demonstrate that NIRF-C at a very low dose of ICG provides good visualization of the extrahepatic biliary tree while avoiding hepatic hyperluminescence and to assess the surgeon-perceived benefit. Furthermore, another additional aim was quantifying the amount of ICG dye in the liver tissue and biliary tract through a green colour intensity (GCI) analysis according to red green blue (RGB) color model and correlating it to surgeon-perceived benefit. METHOD: Forty-four patients were scheduled for LC. We recorded demographics, surgical indication, intraoperative details, adverse reactions to ICG, hepatic hyperluminescence, visualization of the cystic duct (CD), the common bile duct (CBD) and the cystic duct-bile duct junction (CDBDJ) before and after dissection of Calot's triangle, operation time, surgical complications and subjective surgeon data. For all procedures, a unique dose of 0.25 mg of ICG was administered intravenously during the anaesthetic induction. ICG NIRF-C was performed using the overlay mode of the VISERA ELITE II Surgical Endoscope in all surgeries. Video recordings of all 44 LC were reviewed. Using a color analysis software, the GCI of CBD versus adjacent liver tissue was calculated using RGB color model. RESULTS: ICG NIRF-C was performed in all 44 cases. The mean operation time was 45 ± 15 min. There were no bile duct injuries (BDIs) or allergic reactions to ICG. The postoperative course was uneventful in all of cases. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 28 ± 4 h. ICG NIRF-C identified the CBD in 100% of the patients, the CD in 71% and the CDBDJ in 84%, with a surgeon satisfaction of 4/5 or 5/5 in almost 90% of surgeries based on a visual analogue scale (VAS). No statistically significant differences were found in the visualization of the biliary structures after the dissection of Calot's triangle in obese patients or with gallbladder inflammation. Furthermore, 25% of patients with a BMI ≥ 30, 27% of patients with a Nassar grade ≥ 3 and 21% of patients with gallbladder inflammation had a VAS score 5/5 compared to 6% of patients with a BMI < 30 (p = 0.215), 6% of patients with a Nassar grade < 3 (p = 0.083) and none of the patients without gallbladder inflammation (p = 0.037). Measured pixel GCI of CBD was higher than adjacent hepatic tissue for all cases regardless of the degree of gallbladder inflammation, the Nassar scale grades or the patient's BMI (p < 0.0001). In addition, a significant correlation was observed between surgeon-perceived benefit and the amount of ICG dye into the CBD according the RGB color model (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: ICG NIRF-C at a very low dose of ICG (0.25 mg of ICG 20 min before surgery) enables the real-time identification of biliary ducts, thereby avoiding the hepatic hyperluminescence even in cases of obese patients or those with gallbladder inflammation.

Study of Learning Curve in a Surgeon for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Cholangiography During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy-A Retrospective Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography (NIRF) has shown promising results on delineating extra-hepatic biliary anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy to avoid bile duct injury. However its routine usage remains in question. In this study, the technique was evaluated further with learning curve estimation and learning factors were observed. METHODS: One hundred ninety-nine cases which underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute or chronic cholecystitis within a 2-year period including 51 cases with initial use of NIRF by 2 surgeons were studied retrospectively. The learning curve was evaluated for a surgeon as primary objective. A case-matched comparison of the operative time between NIRF and conventional group, in terms of acute and chronic cholecystitis was also conducted as a secondary calculation. RESULTS: Learning curve was evaluated with 61% learning rate for NIRF experience. Cysto-biliary junction non-illuminated cases under fluorescent view, had mean operative time of 80.83 ± 22.82 min, which was shorter than the cysto-biliary junction illuminated cases. The NIRF group exhibited longer operative time compared with the conventional group with mean difference of 34.39 min (significant at P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: While the initial learning phase might be affected by surgeons' behavior and attitude, our results may provide a reference to learn at one's own pace and to employ NIRF teaching strategies during surgical training programs to overcome the initial phase during training period itself and facilitate universal achievement.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Cholangiography can be a Useful Adjunct during Emergency Cholecystectomies.

Background. Emergency cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for acute cholecystitis according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations. The procedure is feasible but carries a higher risk of iatrogenic injury to the bile duct, which should be considered preventable. Intraoperative fluorescence cholangiography following injection of indocyanine green (ICG) has been reported to aid identification of the extrahepatic bile duct. Data on its feasibility in the context of emergency cholecystectomies are missing. Materials and Methods. Fluorescent ICG was used intraoperatively to enhance the biliary anatomy during 33 consecutive emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomies at our institution. Primary outcomes of surgery were considered the length of hospital stay, conversion to open and complications rate, including bile duct injury. Secondary outcome was operating time. A historical population of emergency cholecystectomies was used as control. Results. There were no common bile duct injuries, no adverse effects from ICG, no conversion to open surgery and no deaths. 90% of patients went home within 48 hours after the operation in the absence of complications. ICG demonstrated intraoperative biliary anatomy allowing greater confidence to the surgeon performing emergency cholecystectomies. Six patients were operated beyond 72 hours from admission, without experiencing any complication Clavien-Dindo ≥3. ICG population had the same post-operative hospitalisation and complications rate of the control group, with a shorter operating time. Conclusion. Intraoperative augmented visualisation of biliary anatomy with ICG cholangiography can be a useful technology tool, with the potential to extend the 72 hours window of safety for emergency cholecystectomies.

Image-guided laparoscopic cholecystectomy using indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography: what is the optimal time of administration?

INTRODUCTION: Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent cholangiography (FC) using indocyanine green (ICG) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been used as a technique for real-time visualization of bile ducts for approximately ten years; however, no standard protocol has been determined. This study aimed to determine the optimal time of administration of ICG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, patients (n = 30) indicated for LC were divided into two groups. The first group received ICG 1 h before anesthesia at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg (1 h group), whereas the other group received ICG immediately after anesthesia with the same dose (0 h group). RESULTS: The rates of identification of the cystic duct (CD) and common bile duct (CBD) using NIR FC before and after dissection of Calot's triangle were comparable between the two groups. The fluorescence intensity ratios of CD/Liver and CBD/Liver were significantly higher in the 1 h group (2.2 vs. 0.49 and 2.1 vs. 0.38, respectively, p < .001) with minimal background liver fluorescence interference in the 1 h group. CONCLUSIONS: The study illustrates that administration of ICG 1 h before surgery with a dose of 0.1 mg/kg allows superior visualization of the extrahepatic bile ducts with minimal fluorescence interference from the background liver.

Extrahepatic biliary tract visualization using near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green: optimization of dose and dosing time.

BACKGROUND: The dose and dosing time of indocyanine green (ICG) vary among fluorescence cholangiography (FC) studies. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, exploratory clinical trial was to optimize the dose and dosing time of ICG. METHODS: PubMed was searched to determine the optimal dose. To optimize the dosing time of ICG, a clinical trial was designed with two parts. The first part included patients with T tubes for more than 1 month. After the patient was injected with ICG, bile was collected at 10 time points to explore the change and trends of bile fluorescence intensity (FI). In addition, the results of the first experiment were used to setup a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that aimed to find the optimal dosing timing for ICG injections for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). During surgery, imaging data were collected for analysis. RESULTS: After performing a systematic review, the ICG injection dose for each patient in the clinical trial was 10 mg. Five patients were included in the first part of the study. Bile collected 8 h after ICG injection had a higher FI than bile collected at other time points (p < 0.05), and the FI of bile collected 20 h after ICG injection was nearly zero. In the second part of the experiment, 4 groups of patients (6 patients per group) were injected with 10 mg ICG at 8, 10, 12 and 14 h prior to surgery. The distribution of bile duct FI (p = 0.001), liver FI (p < 0.001), and common bile duct (CBD)-to-liver contrast (p = 0.001) were not the same in each group. Further analysis with the Bonferroni method revealed the following: (1) the FI of the CBD in the 8 h group was significantly different from that in the 14 h group (adjusted p < 0.001); (2) the liver FI of the 8 h group was higher than that of the 10 h group (adjusted p = 0.042) and the 14 h group (adjusted p < 0.001); and (3) the CBD-to-liver contrast of the 8 h group was lower than that of the 10 h group (adjusted p = 0.013) and the 14 h group (adjusted p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: ICG FC enables the real-time identification of extrahepatic bile ducts. The optimal effect of FC can be achieved by performing 10 mg ICG injections 10 to 12 h prior to surgery.

Fluorescence-based cholangiography: preliminary results from the IHU-IRCAD-EAES EURO-FIGS registry.

INTRODUCTION: Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography (NIRF-C) is a popular application of fluorescence image-guided surgery (FIGS). NIRF-C requires near-infrared optimized laparoscopes and the injection of a fluorophore, most frequently Indocyanine Green (ICG), to highlight the biliary anatomy. It is investigated as a tool to increase safety during cholecystectomy. The European registry on FIGS (EURO-FIGS: www.euro-figs.eu ) aims to obtain a snapshot of the current practices of FIGS across Europe. Data on NIRF-C are presented. METHODS: EURO-FIGS is a secured online database which collects anonymized data on surgical procedures performed using FIGS. Data collected for NIRF-C include gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), pathology, NIR device, ICG dose, ICG timing of administration before intraoperative visualization, visualization (Y/N) of biliary structures such as the cystic duct (CD), the common bile duct (CBD), the CD-CBD junction, the common hepatic duct (CHD), Visualization scores, adverse reactions to ICG, operative time, and surgical complications. RESULTS: Fifteen surgeons (12 European surgical centers) uploaded 314 cases of NIRF-C during cholecystectomy (cholelithiasis n = 249, cholecystitis n = 58, polyps n = 7), using 4 different NIR devices. ICG doses (mg/kg) varied largely (mean 0.28 ± 0.17, median 0.3, range: 0.02-0.62). Similarly, injection-to-visualization timing (minutes) varied largely (mean 217 ± 357; median 57), ranging from 1 min (direct intragallbladder injection in 2 cases) to 3120 min (n = 2 cases). Visualization scores before dissection were significantly correlated, at univariate analysis, with ICG timing (all structures), ICG dose (CD-CBD), device (CD and CD-CBD), surgeon (CD and CD-CBD), and pathology (CD and CD-CBD). BMI was not correlated. At multivariate analysis, pathology and timing remained significant factors affecting the visualization scores of all three structures, whereas ICG dose remained correlated with HD visualization only. CONCLUSIONS: The EURO-FIGS registry has confirmed a wide disparity in ICG dose and timing in NIRF-C. EURO-FIGS can represent a valuable tool to promote and monitor FIGS-related educational and consensus activities in Europe.

Fluorescence cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with situs inversus totalis: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Situs inversus totalis is a rare autosomal disorder in which the patient's affected visceral organs are a perfect mirror image of their normal positions. Surgery in these patients is technically challenging. Minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis, but it can be difficult to perform. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with situs inversus totalis may be even more technically challenging. Fluorescence cholangiography is a new innovation in the field of navigation surgery. This procedure is safe and easy to perform, its findings are easy to interpret, and it does not require a learning curve or radiographs. It can be used in real time during surgery to identify extrahepatic biliary structures. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein report a case of situs inversus totalis in a Thai patient with a history of biliary pancreatitis. He underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative fluorescence cholangiography. The operation was successfully completed without complications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of the use of fluorescence cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with situs inversus. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence cholangiographyis a new navigational surgical technique with which to identify extrahepatic biliary structures. It can be used as an adjunct technique during laparoscopic cholecystectomy to avoid biliary tract injury in difficult cases.

The Best Approach for Laparoscopic Fluorescence Cholangiography: Overview of the Literature and Optimization of Dose and Dosing Time.

BACKGROUND: Fluorescence cholangiography using indocyanine green (ICG) can enhance orientation of bile duct anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To ensure clear discrimination between bile ducts and liver, the fluorescence ratio between both should be sufficient. This ratio is influenced by the ICG dose and timing of fluorescence imaging. We first systematically identified all strategies for fluorescence cholangiography. Second, we aimed to optimize the dose of ICG and dosing time in a prospective clinical trial. METHODS: PubMed was searched for clinical trials studying fluorescence cholangiography. Furthermore, 28 patients planned to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided into 7 groups, receiving different intravenous doses (5 or 10 mg ICG) at different time points (0.5, 2, 4, 6, or 24 hours prior to surgery). RESULTS: The systematic review revealed 27 trials including 1057 patients. The majority of studies used 2.5 mg administered within 1 hour before imaging. Imaging 3 to 24 hours after ICG administration was never studied. The clinical trial demonstrated that the highest bile duct-to-liver ratio was achieved 3 to 7 hours after administration of 5 mg and 5 to 25 hours after administration of 10 mg ICG. Up to 3 hours after administration of 5 mg and up to 5 hours after administration of 10 mg ICG, the liver was equally or more fluorescent than the cystic duct, resulting in a ratio ≤1.0. CONCLUSION: This study shows for the first time that the interval between ICG administration and intraoperative fluorescence cholangiography should be extended. Administering 5 mg ICG at least 3 hours before imaging is easy to implement in everyday clinical practice and results in bile duct-to-liver ratios >1.0.

Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography with indocyanine green for biliary atresia. Real-time imaging during the Kasai procedure: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE) with the Kasai procedure is the treatment of choice for biliary atresia (BA) as the initial surgery. However, the appropriate level of dissection level of the fibrous cone (FC) of the porta hepatis (PH) is frequently unclear, and the procedure sometimes results in unsuccessful outcomes. Recently, indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence imaging (ICG-FCG) has been developed as a form of real-time cholangiography. METHODS: We applied this technique in five patients with BA to visualize the biliary flow at the PH intraoperatively. ICG was injected intravenously the day before surgery as the liver function test, and the liver was observed with a near-infrared camera system during the operation while the patient's feces was also observed. RESULTS: In all patients, the whole liver fluoresced diffusely with ICG-containing stagnant bile, whereas no extrahepatic structures fluoresced. The findings of the ICG fluorescence pattern of the PH after dissection of the FC were classified into three types: spotty fluorescence, one patient; diffuse weak fluorescence, three patients; and diffuse strong fluorescence, one patient. In all five patients, the feces evacuated after HPE showed distinct fluorescent spots, although that obtained before surgery showed no fluorescence. One patient with diffuse strong fluorescence who did not achieve JF underwent living related liver transplantation six months after the initial HPE procedure. Four patients, including three cases involving diffuse weak fluorescence and one case involving spotty fluorescence showed weak fluorescence compared to that of the surrounding liver surface. CONCLUSION: We were able to detect the presence of bile excretion at the time of HPE intraoperatively and successfully evaluated the extent of bile excretion using this new technique. Furthermore, the ICG-FCG findings may provide information leading to a new classification and potentially function as an indicator predicting the clinical outcomes after HPE.

The application of real-time indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography in laparoscopic living donor left lateral sectionectomy.

Background: The judgment of the division point of the bile duct has always been one of the difficulties of laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS). The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence cholangiography during LLLS on the occurrence of biliary complications in both donors and recipients. The optimal dose and injection time of ICG were also investigated. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. From October 2016 to December 2022, the clinical data of 103 donors who underwent LLLS and relevant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether ICG fluorescence cholangiography was used, they were divided into a non-ICG group (n=46) and an ICG group (n=57). Biliary complications were observed and the optimal dose and injection time of ICG were explored. Results: Three donors in the non-ICG group suffered from bile leakage. Four grafts had multiple bile duct openings and biliary complications were observed in the relevant recipients who received these grafts in the non-ICG group. Two recipients had bile leakage, and the other two had biliary stenosis. There was no biliary complications both in donors and recipients in the ICG group. The fluorescence intensity of the liver was 108.1±17.6 at a dose of 0.004 mg/kg 90 minutes after injection, significantly weaker than that at 0.05 mg/kg 30 minutes (200.3±17.6, P=0.001) and 90 minutes after injection (140.2±15.4, P=0.001). The fluorescence intensity contrast value at a dose of 0.004 mg/kg was stronger than that at 0.05 mg/kg, both measured 90 minutes after injection (0.098±0.032 vs. 0.078±0.022, P=0.021). Conclusions: ICG fluorescence cholangiography is safe and feasible in LLLS. It reduces biliary complications in both donors and recipients. The optimal ICG dose was 0.004 mg/kg, and 90 minutes after injection was the best observation time. ICG fluorescence cholangiography is recommended for routine use in LLLS.

Current Operative Approaches to the Diseased Gallbladder. Diagnosis and Management Updates for General Surgeons.

Cholecystitis is a common diagnosis which requires management by general surgeons. Morbidity from cholecystitis is often life-threatening, especially in patients with underlying liver cirrhosis or other medical comorbidities. Diagnosis and management of this disease can vary among providers and hospitals. The decision to utilize a radiological or endoscopic temporizing maneuver in severe acute cholecystitis and the timing of later definitive cholecystectomy are relevant points of discussion within general surgery societies. In the last 5 years, the use of intraoperative ductal imaging by conventional vs fluorescence cholangiography had gained significant interest due to the widespread availability of indocyanine green. Finally, the operative strategies and how to manage intra-/postoperative complications are very important to optimizing patient outcomes. In this review paper, we discuss all treatment aspects of cholecystitis and provide updates in its management.

Intragallbladder versus intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) injection for enhanced bile duct visualization by fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (BDIs) prevention during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) relies on meticulous anatomical dissections through direct visualization. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) with indocyanine green (ICG) improves the visualization of extrahepatic biliary structures. Although ICG can be administered either intravenously or intragallbladder, there remains uncertainty regarding the optimal method for different patient populations. This study sought to assess the suitability of each method for specific patient groups. Methods: Between October 2021 and May 2022, 59 consecutive patients underwent fluorescence-guided LC at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Among them, 32 patients received an intravenous injection of ICG (10 mg) 10 to 12 hours prior to surgery (Group A: the intravenous group), while 27 patients received an intragallbladder injection of ICG (10 mg) (Group B: the intragallbladder group). Baseline clinical factors, inclusion criteria, and measurements of parameters and complications were assessed. Data were retrospectively collected and analyzed to evaluate the comparability of the two groups and the clinical outcomes. Results: Groups A and B included 32 patients (18 males, 14 females), and 27 patients (13 men, 14 women), respectively. In our statistical analysis, significant differences were observed in preoperative diagnoses between the two groups (P=0.041), but the majority of other baseline clinical factors were comparable. Notably, no statistically significant differences were found in complication rates. However, Group A had a shorter operative time (60.38±9.35 vs. 66.78±9.88 min, P=0.01) and superior bile duct fluorescence (P=0.04) than Group B. Interestingly, fluorescence was not observed in impacted gallbladder stones in Group B. Additionally, patients with cirrhosis (P=0.008) and fatty liver (P=0.005) in Group B had higher common bile duct-to-liver ratios (BLRs) than those in Group A. Conclusions: ICG fluorescence cholangiography allows to visualize extrahepatic biliary anatomical structures with both administration methods. However, the efficacy of bile duct fluorescence varies with different administration routes in diverse patient populations. Hence, appropriate administration route selection for ICG should be tailored to individual patients.

Role of Intraoperative Near-Infrared Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Cholangiography in the Management of Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis Secondary to Empyema of the Gallbladder in Mirizzi's Syndrome.

Mirizzi syndrome, although rare, is a potential complication of long-standing gallstone disease, particularly cholecystolithiasis. Due to the nonspecific nature of its symptoms, this condition often remains undiagnosed prior to surgery in most cases. While minimally invasive approaches are generally safe in expert hands, they can be challenging and entail the risk of bile duct injuries, often necessitating conversion to bail-out procedures. Delayed management of Mirizzi syndrome can lead to serious consequences, such as empyema of the gallbladder (GB), gangrene of the GB wall, perforation, and sepsis. Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can help delineate the biliary anatomy and prevent biliary tract injuries in difficult GBs like Mirizzi syndrome.

Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography can rule out biliary atresia: A preliminary report.

Background: The prognosis of BA is known to be poor if definitive surgery is performed too late. Therefore, excluding BA as a diagnosis at an early stage is crucial. Conventional cholangiography requiring cannulation through the gallbladder may be unnecessarily invasive for patients, especially when ruling out BA. Therefore, a less invasive alternative such as indocyanine green (ICG) cholangiography, which does not require cannulation, should be established. In this study, we focused on excluding BA and confirmed the usefulness of intravenous ICG fluorescence cholangiography. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first preliminary study to report the use of intravenous ICG cholangiography for BA exclusion. Methods: The study participants were patients who underwent liver biopsy and intraoperative cholangiography after they were suspected to have BA, between 2013 and 2022. ICG fluorescence cholangiography was performed on all patients who provided informed consent. Results: During the study period, 88 patients underwent a laparoscopic liver biopsy and cholangiography. Among them, 65 (74%) were diagnosed with BA and underwent a subsequent laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy. BA was ruled out intraoperatively in 23 patients. Of the 23 patients in whom BA was ruled out, 14 underwent ICG cholangiography, 11 had gallbladder (GB) fluorescence, and 9 had both GB and common bile duct (CBD) fluorescence. Conventional cholangiography was very difficult in 2 of 23 cases: in 1 case, cannulation of the atrophic gallbladder was impossible, and cholecystectomy was indicated after multiple attempts; in 1 case, upstream cholangiography was not possible. In both cases, ICG fluorescence cholangiography successfully imaged the CBD and the GB. Conclusions: In conclusion, intravenous ICG fluorescence cholangiography might be a useful and less invasive diagnostic procedure that can rule out BA in infants.

Indocyanine green fluorescence: A surgeon's tool for the surgical approach of gallstone ileus.

Fluorescence cholangiography has been shown to improve biliary anatomy identification. A case of 60-year-old man with intestinal obstruction is reported, an entero-biliary fistula is suspected, and intravenous application of indocyanine green is decided, despite the great inflammatory process and fibrotic tissues found during the procedure, safe open cholecystectomy was achieved.

Fluorescence Guided Cholecystectomy by a Single Group: Initial 47 Procedures Experience in Mexico.

Introduction: Fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) for biliary surgery uses indocyanine green (ICG), a specific dye that is eliminated almost exclusively by the liver and biliary system, making it very useful for an adequate and safe visualization of biliary tract structures. Methods: We present our experience with FGS for cholecystectomy multiport and single port, including all patients older than 18 years of age, with diagnosis of cholecystitis (acute and chronic), from October 18, 2018 to December 30, 2021. Results: A total of 47 patients were managed with FGS cholecystectomy, mean age was 61.2 (± 17.7) years, 31 (65.9%) were female and 16 (34.1%) males. Twenty-four (51.1%) were emergency procedures, due to acute cholecystitis, of which 10 (41.7%) presented with an infected gallbladder (Parkland 3 to 5) and three (12.5%) presented with related acute pancreatitis, the remaining 23 (48.9%) cases were elective surgeries, due to chronic cholecystitis. Visualization of laparoscopic fluorescence of the biliary ducts was achieved in 45 of the 47 patients (95.7%). Mean time for biliary tract structures visual identification was 8 minutes and 40 seconds (± 7 minutes, 20 seconds), fluorescence allowed the visualization of biliary tract anatomical variants in two patients. Discussion: The reported rate of biliary structures visualization using ICG is relatively variable, ranging from 25% to 100%, in our group it was 95.7% due to our protocol. Conclusions: ICG utilization for cholecystectomy is very useful and helps for a safe procedure even in difficult surgeries, we believe that it should be used in everyday practice.

Paradoxical alteration of indocyanine green concentration in bile and the visibility of the intra-operative fluorescence cholangiography in pigs.

Background: A significant difference exists between the reported optimal timing of indocyanine green (ICG) injection during fluorescence cholangiography and ICG dissipation time from the serum. There are no reports on alterations in ICG concentration in biliary fluid over time. Herein, we measured the concentration of ICG and the fluorescence intensity ratio between the common bile duct (CBD) and liver, which was recognized as a parameter of the visibility of the CBD. Materials and methods: ICG (0.05 mg/kg) was injected intravenously into female pigs (n = 7). Afterwards, the fluorescence of the CBD and liver was detected at 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h. Biliary fluid was collected from cannulated CBD tubes. The fluorescence intensity was measured using captured images and calculated using the ImageJ image-processing program. ICG concentration was measured using spectrophotometry and compared using an analysis of variance test. Results: Biliary ICG concentrations at 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h were 92.07 ± 27.72 µg/mL, 37.14 ± 9.76 µg/mL (p < 0.05 vs. 30 min), and 13.91 ± 5.71 µg/mL (p < 0.05 vs. 30 min), respectively; p < 0.01. The CBD/liver fluorescence intensity ratios at 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h were 1.25 ± 0.72, 2.39 ± 1.28 (p < 0.05 vs. 30 min and 4 h), and 3.38 ± 1.73 (p < 0.05 vs. 30 min and 2 h), respectively. Conclusions: The ICG biliary concentration was highest at 30 min, whereas the CBD/liver fluorescence intensity ratio was highest at 4 h. Decreasing the fluorescence intensity of the liver may be an important approach for improving the visualization of the CBD during fluorescence cholangiography. Institutional protocol number: PE/EA/491-5/2020.

Feasibility and educational value of fluorescence cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become widely accepted as a useful auxiliary tool to visualize the extrahepatic biliary structures. We investigated the feasibility and educational value of a method with longer interval between the administration of indocyanine green and the imaging of these structures. METHODS: Approximately 18 hours before their surgery, patients (n = 51) were intravenously administered 0.25 mg/kg of indocyanine green. Each laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed under fluorescence imaging in combination with white-light imaging. Operative outcomes including visualization of the extrahepatic biliary structures and operative time were compared between the patients on whom board-certified surgeons operated (feasibility phase; n = 18) and the patients on whom a surgery resident operated (educational phase; n = 33). RESULTS: There were no adverse events related to the longer interval method. The visualization rates of extrahepatic biliary structures were comparable between the two phases. Both the mean time to divide the cystic duct and the mean time to remove the gallbladder in the educational phase were significantly longer than those in the feasibility phase (68.2 vs 24.4 minutes and 30.2 vs 15.8 minutes, P < .001 each). There was no significant difference in other operative outcomes. The operative time learning curve did not decrease with a resident's experience. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence cholangiography with the longer interval method was feasible and could identify the extrahepatic biliary structures irrespective of the surgeon's experience; however, it did not decrease the operative time with experience.