Ureteral navigation using a fluorescent ureteral catheter during laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Utility and challenges of ureteral visualization using a fluorescent ureteral catheter in high risk surgeries for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Ureteral injury occurs in 0.3-1.5% of colorectal cancer surgeries. Devices to visualize the ureteral course and avoid ureteral injury are required for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The NIRC™ fluorescent ureteral catheter (FUC) is a versatile ureteral visualization device currently available in Japan that can be used in combination with a variety of laparoscopic and robotic systems. In this study, we examined the outcomes of high-risk patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery with FUC insertion.

METHODS

One hundred forty-one patients who underwent MIS for colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer recurrence at our institute between January 2021 and May 2024 underwent preoperative FUC insertion because of the high risk of ureteral injury and surgical difficulty. For these patients, patient background data and short-term outcomes were examined. The results are expressed as the median and interquartile range.

RESULTS

Age, 70 [60-78]; M:F(n), 84:57; BMI, 22.1 [19.7-24.7]; T4 (TNM classification), 52 cases (36.9%); preoperative intestinal obstruction, 45 cases (31.9%); abscess formation, 30 cases (21%); surgical history, 70 cases (50%); recurrent cancer, 14 cases (9.9%); preoperative chemo-radiotherapy, 28 cases (19.9%); time required for FUC insertion, 12 [9-19] minutes; operation time, 412 [309-552] minutes; blood loss, 10 [5-30] ml; open conversion, 0 cases; postoperative hospitalization, 12 [9-17.5]; circumferential resection margins < 1 mm (rectal surgery), 4/87 cases (4.6%); comorbidities, 0 ureteral injury, 1 urethral injury during FUC insertion (0.7%) and 16 CD Grade 3 or higher cases (11%).

CONCLUSIONS

FUC may improve the safety of MIS and reduce blood loss in addition to preventing ureteral injury and is expected to have oncological advantages for ensuring the margin of the tumor without fear of ureteral injury. However, the time required for and complications associated with FUC are challenging. New methods for less invasive and easier ureteral visualization may be needed.

Preventing iatrogenic ureteral injury in colorectal surgery: a comprehensive and systematic review of the last 2 decades of literature and future perspectives

Iatrogenic ureteral injury (IUI) during colorectal surgery is a rare complication but related to a serious burden of morbidity. This comprehensive and systematic review aims to provide a critical overview of the most recent literature about IUI prevention techniques in colorectal surgery. We performed a comprehensive and systematic review of studies published from 2000 to 2022 and assessed the use of techniques for ureteral injury prevention and intraoperative localization. 26 publications were included, divided into stent-based (prophylactic/lighted ureteral stent and near-infrared fluorescent ureteral catheter [PUS/LUS/NIRFUC]) and fluorescent dye (FD) groups. Costs, the percentage and number of IUIs detected, reported limitations, complication rates and other outcome points were compared. The IUI incidence rate ranged from 0 to 1.9% (mean 0.5%) and 0 to 1.2% (mean 0.3%) in the PUS/LUS/NIRFUC and FD groups, respectively. The acute kidney injury (AKI) and urinary tact infection (UTI) incidence rate ranged from 0.4 to 32.6% and 0 to 17.3%, respectively, in the PUS/LUS/NIRFUC group and 0-15% and 0-6.3%, respectively, in the FD group. Many other complications were also compared and descriptively analyzed (length-of-stay, mortality, etc.). These techniques appear to be feasible and safe in select patients with a high risk of IUI, but the delineation of reliable guidelines for preventing IUI will require more randomized controlled trials.

A novel Foley catheter made of high-intensity near-infrared fluorescent silicone rubber for image-guided surgery of lower rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Urethral injury occurs in 1-6 % of male cases during minimally invasive surgery of lower rectal cancer. A Foley catheter emitting near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence of sufficient intensity has been expected to locate the urethra during image-guided surgery. Although it has been difficult to impart NIR fluorescent properties to biocompatible thermosetting polymers, we have recently succeeded in developing a NIR fluorescent compound for silicone rubber and a NIR fluorescent Foley catheter (HICARL). Here, we evaluated its NIR fluorescence properties and visibility performance using porcine anorectal isolation specimens.

METHODS

The HICARL catheter was made of a mixture of solid silicone rubber and a NIR fluorescent compound that emits fluorescence with a wavelength of 820-880 nm, while a conventional transparent Foley catheter was made of solid silicone rubber only. As a standard for comparison of the intensity of NIR fluorescence, a transparent Foley catheter the lumen of which was filled with a mixture of indocyanine green (ICG) and human plasma was used. As a comparison to assess the visibility performance of the HICARL catheter, a transparent Foley catheter into which a commercially available NIR fluorescent polyurethane ureteral catheter (NIRC) was placed was used.

RESULTS

A NIR fluorescence quantitative imaging analysis revealed that the Foley-NIRC catheter and the HICARL catheter emitted 3.42 ± 0.42 and 6.43 ± 0.07 times more fluorescence than the Foley-ICG catheter, respectively. The location of the HICARL catheter placed in the anorectum with a wall thickness of 3.8 ± 0.1 mm was clearly delineated in its entirety by NIR fluorescence, while that of the Foley-NIRC catheter was faintly or only partially visible.

CONCLUSIONS

The HICARL catheter emitting NIR fluorescence of sufficient intensity is a promising and easy-to-use tool for urethral visualization during image-guided surgery of lower rectal cancer.

2023 WSES guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of iatrogenic urinary tract injuries (IUTIs) during emergency digestive surgery

Iatrogenic urinary tract injury (IUTI) is a severe complication of emergency digestive surgery. It can lead to increased postoperative morbidity and mortality and have a long-term impact on the quality of life. The reported incidence of IUTIs varies greatly among the studies, ranging from 0.3 to 1.5%. Given the high volume of emergency digestive surgery performed worldwide, there is a need for well-defined and effective strategies to prevent and manage IUTIs. Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the prevention, detection, and management of IUTIs in the emergency setting. The present guidelines, promoted by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), were developed following a systematic review of the literature and an international expert panel discussion. The primary aim of these WSES guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians and surgeons in the prevention, detection, and management of IUTIs during emergency digestive surgery. The following key aspects were considered: (1) effectiveness of preventive interventions for IUTIs during emergency digestive surgery; (2) intra-operative detection of IUTIs and appropriate management strategies; (3) postoperative detection of IUTIs and appropriate management strategies and timing; and (4) effectiveness of antibiotic therapy (including type and duration) in case of IUTIs.

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy postopen aortic replacement for abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report

Colectomy for colorectal cancer after an open aortic replacement (OAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms has high perioperative complication and mortality rates.

Case presentation

The authors report the case of an 87-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. The patient presented with edema of the lower legs and face, and blood test results indicated anemia. The patient had a history of OAR for an abdominal aortic aneurysm 9 years prior, a left common iliac artery aneurysm, and a jump bypass graft. A colonoscopy revealed a type 2 lesion in the sigmoid colon; he was diagnosed with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Preoperative computed tomography did not show any obvious lymph node or distant metastases. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy was planned. During surgery, the use of the lateral approach allowed sigmoid mesocolon mobilization while confirming the presence of the artificial arteries. As the approach to the root of the inferior mesenteric artery was difficult, D1 lymphadenectomy was performed. No evidence of anastomotic leakage or artificial artery infection was observed postoperatively.

Clinical discussion

Intra-abdominal adhesions due to the prior OAR makes sigmoid mesocolon mobilization difficult. In cases where laminar structure cannot be recognized, other landmarks are needed.

Conclusions

After OAR, artificial arteries can be used as landmarks during colectomy. Although laparoscopic surgery is technically challenging, the magnified view provides an advantage in identifying these landmarks. Patients' surgical records for the previous OAR should be checked, and the positions of the vessels and ureters should be elucidated preoperatively using computed tomography.

Near-infrared ray catheter and indocyanine green via nephrostomy in delayed robotic reconstruction of injured ureter: A case report

Delayed surgical reconstruction of iatrogenic ureteral injuries is often a challenging procedure because spreading scar tissue impedes accurate identification and dissection of the injured ureter. We report a novel real-time navigation system using a ureteral near-infrared ray catheter (NIRC) and indocyanine green (ICG) via nephrostomy in delayed robot-assisted ureteral reconstruction. A female patient presented with complete obstruction of the right upper ureter after gynecological surgery with extensive lymphadenectomy. A nephrostomy tube was urgently placed, and surgical repair was performed. A straight NIRC was placed in the right ureter up to the obstruction point. ICG was administered via nephrostomy. Near-infrared light could clearly visualize the ureter and renal pelvis encased in scar tissue. The ureter and renal pelvis were dissected and successfully anastomosed. We found that near-infrared navigation using ureteral NIRC and ICG via nephrostomy was valuable for delayed laparoscopic reconstruction of the injured ureter.

Intraoperative visualization of urethra using illuminating catheter in laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty for imperforated anus-A novel and safe technique for preventing urethral injury

PURPOSE

In this study, we used a near-infrared ray catheter (NIRC) to visualize the urethral line. We herein report our intraoperative visualization technique of the urethra using an illuminating catheter in laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) for imperforated anus.

PATIENT AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

A 3.0-kg term male neonate with anorectal malformation was delivered. An invertogram revealed the type as intermediate. Transverse colostomy was performed at the left upper abdomen. A recto-bulbar urethral fistula (RBUF) was diagnosed via distal colostogram and voiding cystourethrogram. LAARP was planned at 6 months of age. We performed the operation with four trocars. A 45° 5-mm scope was used to clearly view the deep pelvic space. Before starting rectal dissection, a 6-Fr pig-tail-type NIRC was inserted through the external opening of the urethra to visualize the urethra during the laparoscopic procedure. The catheter tip was placed in the bladder, and excretion of urine was maintained through the NIRC during the procedures. While dissecting the deep pelvic space between the posterior wall of the urethra and anterior wall of the rectum, the exact line of the urethra was clearly confirmed by overlay images of the NIRC. The RBUF was dissected safely using this innovative image-guided technique. Anoplasty was performed between the rectal stump and perineal skin. The postoperative course was uneventful. Oral intake was started on postoperative day 1. Postoperative dynamic urography showed no complications.

CONCLUSION

An NIRC is useful for detecting the urethra during LAARP.

A Novel Technique Using Fluorescent Ureteral Catheter and Flexible Ureteroscope for Safe Laparoscopic Fenestration of Lymphocele after Kidney Transplantation

Laparoscopic fenestration of a postrenal transplant lymphocele is associated with a risk of renal hilar vessel and ureteral injury. Consequently, determination of the incision line is difficult. We describe a case of a 73-year-old man with postrenal transplant lymphocele who underwent a laparoscopic fenestration. We report a surgical video containing a new technique of laparoscopic fenestration using a fluorescent ureteral catheter in combination with a flexible ureteroscope. The combination of a fluorescent ureteral catheter and flexible ureteroscope during surgery enabled us to determine the incision line safely and accurately. Intraoperative real-time visualization of the lymphocele and ureter using a fluorescent ureteral catheter and a flexible ureteroscope is safer than conventional methods for laparoscopic fenestration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this novel technique.

Fluorescence ureteral navigation during laparoscopic surgery for clinically suspected stage T4 colorectal cancer: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Approximately 15% of patients with colorectal cancer present with locally advanced tumors (T4 stage). Laparoscopic surgery for stage T4 disease has not yet been established. The near-infrared ray catheter fluorescent ureteral catheter (NIRFUC) is a new device that uses near-infrared fluorescence resin. We examined the utility of fluorescence ureteral navigation (FUN) with the NIRFUC during laparoscopic surgery for stage T4 colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with stage T4 colorectal cancer (n = 143, from January 2017 to March 2021) were divided into a T4FUN + group, in which the NIRFUC was used (n = 21), and a T4FUN- group, in which the NIRFUC was not used (n = 122). Short-term outcomes were compared between the groups. Next, the laparoscopic surgery rate and incidence of ureteral injury from January 2017 to March 2021 were compared between the T4FUN- group and the non-stage T4FUN- group (n = 434, from January 2017 to March 2021), in which fluorescence ureter navigation was not used.

RESULTS

Rectal cancer, stage T4b disease, and invasion into the urinary tract were observed more often in the T4FUN + group than in the T4FUN- group. In the comparisons of the T4FUN + versus T4FUN- groups, the operative time was 398 (161-1090) vs. 256 (93-839) minutes, the blood loss was 10 (1-710) vs. 25 (0-1360) ml, and the ratio of laparoscopic surgery to open surgery was 21:0 vs. 79:43. Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III) were present in 2 (10%; 0 ureteral injury) patients in the T4FUN + group and 13 (11%; 2 ureteral injury) patients in the T4FUN- group. In the T4FUN + group, the operative time was longer (p < 0.0001), but the laparoscopic ratio was higher (p = 0.0002), and the blood loss volume and incidence of ureteral injury tended to be lower. In the comparisons of the T4FUN- versus non-stage T4FUN- groups, the ratio of laparoscopic surgery to open surgery was 79:43 vs. 384:50, the incidence of open conversion was 8 (6.6%) vs. 15 (3.5%), and the incidence of ureteral injury was 2 (1.6%) vs. 0 (0%). In the T4FUN- group, the open surgery rate (<0.0001), open conversion rate (p = 0.0205) and incidence of ureteral injury (p = 0.0478) were high, with a significant difference observed between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with stage T4 disease have an increased risk of ureteral injury and are more likely to be converted to open surgery. FUN can help to safely increase the laparoscopic surgery rate while safely visualizing the ureter. FUN is recommended for laparoscopic surgery in patients with stage T4 colorectal cancer.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Examination of fluorescence navigation for laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery; Research Ethics Committee of the Kawaguchi Municipal Medical Center (Saitama, Japan) approval number: 2020-3. https://kawaguchi-mmc.org/wp-content/uploads/clinical research-r02.pdf.

New Technique of Laparoscopic Paraaortic Lymph Node Dissection for Colorectal Cancer Using Fluorescence Navigation

BACKGROUND/AIM

According to limited current reports, therapeutic paraaortic lymph node (PALN) dissection with intensive combined therapy for colorectal cancer improves prognosis in select patients. Laparoscopic PALN dissection is a difficult technique that has not yet been established. We applied this procedure using an intraoperative fluorescence navigation technique with a near-infrared ray catheter (NIRC™) fluorescent ureteral catheter (NIRFUC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the utility of laparoscopic fluorescence navigation and the short-term outcomes of 6 patients undergoing laparoscopic PALN dissection.

RESULTS

There were 3 surgeries for synchronous metastasis and 3 surgeries for recurrent metastasis. The mean surgical duration, blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were 677 (range=518-1,090) min, 7.5 (range=3-1,600) ml, and 14 (range=9-33) days, respectively. Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade >III) occurred in 1 case.

CONCLUSION

Dissection around the ureter was navigated with a NIRFUC. Fluorescence ureteral navigation facilitated completion of the complex laparoscopic PALN dissection procedure.