Successful treatment of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia with indocyanine green fluorescence and open-abdomen management

Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia: A Review for Interventional Radiologists

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a condition characterized by segmental or discontinuous mesenteric ischemia and intestinal necrosis without an organic obstruction in the mesenteric vessels. Diagnosis is challenging, and early intervention is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Various factors such as background factors, symptoms, biomarkers, and imaging techniques contribute to the diagnosis. Ensuring an early diagnosis and prompt treatment is of paramount importance. Although studies reported on the effectiveness of intra-arterial vasodilator infusion therapy as an endovascular treatment, its future role remains uncertain. Therefore, this review primarily aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the advancements in the current state of NOMI management, with a specific emphasis on the implementation of endovascular therapy.

Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence for precise resection of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia: a case report and diagnostic considerations based on pathology findings

BACKGROUND

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is characterized by intestinal ischemia caused by spasms in the peripheral intestinal vessels without organic obstruction in the main mesenteric vessels. NOMI can be fatal in case of delayed diagnosis and treatment. Although the use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in assessing intestinal viability during NOMI surgery is well recognized, there is a paucity of reported cases using this technique. Herein, we present a case of NOMI that was successfully managed through accurate diagnosis and resection of the ischemic intestines guided by ICG fluorescence.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 81-year-old man presented with abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed intrahepatic portal vein gas, superior mesenteric vein gas, and terminal ileal edema. Considering these findings, the patient was diagnosed with NOMI and emergency surgery was performed. Intestinal edema was observed 30 cm upstream of the terminal ileum without serosal discoloration. ICG fluorescence revealed areas of normal perfusion as well as mild and moderate hypoperfusion. The small bowel, including the hypoperfusion area, was resected. As no clinical signs of residual bowel ischemia were observed during the postoperative course, a second-look operation was deemed unnecessary. Intraoperative ICG fluorescence and histopathological findings indicated mucosal edema in the mildly hypoperfused area and mucosal necrosis in the moderately hypoperfused area.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the use of intraoperative ICG fluorescence in the disease. ICG fluorescence is invaluable in assessing the extent of bowel ischemia and guiding precise resection. Thus, future efforts should focus on identifying accumulation of cases and quantification of ICG fluorescence intensity to further improve diagnostic performance.

A Green Lantern for the Surgeon: A Review on the Use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has revolutionized surgical practice across various medical and surgical specialties. This article reviews the clinical applications of ICG in abdominal, urological, thoracic, and gynecological surgery. ICG fluorescence imaging has been widely adopted in general surgery for various applications, including perfusion assessment, intraoperative visualization of the ureter, and tumor localization. It is particularly valuable in evaluating anastomotic leaks and aiding in precise tumor resection during minimally invasive surgeries. Studies have shown mixed results on its effectiveness in reducing anastomotic leak rates, highlighting the need for further research. In thoracic surgery, ICG facilitates the identification and resection of pulmonary bullae, as well as the precise localization of pulmonary nodules during video-assisted surgery. In urology, ICG aids in localizing renal tumors and guiding selective arterial occlusion during partial nephrectomy. Its role in identifying the lymphatic pathway in prostate cancer and sentinel lymph node biopsy in gynecological cancer is also discussed. Despite its benefits, the use of ICG fluorescence faces challenges such as limited tissue penetration, the potential for false results, a lack of standardized protocols, and high equipment costs. Nonetheless, it remains a powerful tool that could improve surgical outcomes.

ICG-augmented hyperspectral imaging for visualization of intestinal perfusion compared to conventional ICG fluorescence imaging: an experimental study

BACKGROUND

Small bowel malperfusion (SBM) can cause high morbidity and severe surgical consequences. However, there is no standardized objective measuring tool for the quantification of SBM. Indocyanine green (ICG) imaging can be used for visualization, but lacks standardization and objectivity. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) as a newly emerging technology in medicine might present advantages over conventional ICG fluorescence or in combination with it.

METHODS

HSI baseline data from physiological small bowel, avascular small bowel and small bowel after intravenous application of ICG was recorded in a total number of 54 in-vivo pig models. Visualizations of avascular small bowel after mesotomy were compared between HSI only (1), ICG-augmented HSI (IA-HSI) (2), clinical evaluation through the eyes of the surgeon (3) and conventional ICG imaging (4). The primary research focus was the localization of resection borders as suggested by each of the four methods. Distances between these borders were measured and histological samples were obtained from the regions in between in order to quantify necrotic changes 6 h after mesotomy for every region.

RESULTS

StO2 images (1) were capable of visualizing areas of physiological perfusion and areas of clearly impaired perfusion. However, exact borders where physiological perfusion started to decrease could not be clearly identified. Instead, IA-HSI (2) suggested a sharp-resection line where StO2 values started to decrease. Clinical evaluation (3) suggested a resection line 23 mm (±7 mm) and conventional ICG imaging (4) even suggested a resection line 53 mm (±13 mm) closer towards the malperfused region. Histopathological evaluation of the region that was sufficiently perfused only according to conventional ICG (R3) already revealed a significant increase in pre-necrotic changes in 27% (±9%) of surface area. Therefore, conventional ICG seems less sensitive than IA-HSI with regards to detection of insufficient tissue perfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

In this experimental animal study, IA-HSI (2) was superior for the visualization of segmental SBM compared to conventional HSI imaging (1), clinical evaluation (3) or conventional ICG imaging (4) regarding histopathological safety. ICG application caused visual artifacts in the StO2 values of the HSI camera as values significantly increase. This is caused by optical properties of systemic ICG and does not resemble a true increase in oxygenation levels. However, this empirical finding can be used to visualize segmental SBM utilizing ICG as contrast agent in an approach for IA-HSI. Clinical applicability and relevance will have to be explored in clinical trials.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Not applicable. Translational animal science. Original article.

Evaluation of testicular blood flow during testicular torsion surgery in children using the indocyanine green-guided near-infrared fluorescence imaging technique

Objective

This study investigates the feasibility of the indocyanine green-guided near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) imaging technique in evaluating testicular blood flow during testicular torsion (TT) surgery in pediatric cases.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the eight pediatric patients with TT who underwent surgery in our hospital between February and July 2023. The intraoperative two-step method of ICG-NIRF imaging and testicular incision was used to evaluate the testicular blood flow, followed by a selection of different surgical methods. The removed testes were pathologically examined after surgery, and all patients were followed up 1 month after surgery to evaluate testicular blood flow using gray-scale ultrasound and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI).

Results

Eight pediatric TT patients aged 1-16 years, with a median age of 11.5 years, were enrolled. Time from the onset ranged from 4 to 72 h (mean 26.13 ± 25.09 h). A total of eight testes were twisted, including four on the left side and four on the right side. The twisting direction of the testes was clockwise in four cases and counterclockwise in four cases. The rotation of torsion was 180°-1,080° (mean 472.5° ± 396°). There was no statistically significant difference in the imaging time between the four patients with testicular blood vessel imaging on both the torsional and normal sides (P > 0.05). The postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no complications during the follow-up period of 1 month. The postoperative histopathological results of three patients who underwent orchiectomy showed extensive hemorrhage, degeneration, and necrosis of the testicular tissue. Among the five patients who underwent orchiopexy, a gray-scale ultrasound and CDFI examinations showed uniform internal echo of the testes and normal blood flow signals in four patients. One patient with no testicular blood vessel imaging on the torsional side showed uneven internal echo of the testis and no blood flow signals.

Conclusion

ICG-NIRF imaging is a feasible method to evaluate testicular blood flow during TT surgery. Testicular blood vessel imaging within 5 minutes after ICG injection might be the basis for testicular retention during TT surgery.

Application of fluorescence-guided surgery in the acute care setting: a systematic literature review

PURPOSE

Fluorescence-based imaging has found application in several fields of elective surgery, but there is still a lack of evidence in the literature about its use in emergency setting. The present review critically summarizes currently available applications and limitations of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in abdominal emergencies including acute cholecystitis, mesenteric ischemia, and trauma surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statement identifying articles about the use of ICG fluorescence in the management of the most common general surgery emergency. Only studies focusing on the use of ICG fluorescence for the management of acute surgical conditions in adults were included.

RESULTS

Thirty-six articles were considered for qualitative analysis. The most frequent disease was occlusive or non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia followed by acute cholecystitis. Benefits from using ICG for acute cholecystitis were reported in 48% of cases (clear identification of biliary structures and a safer surgical procedure). In one hundred and twenty cases that concerned the use of ICG for occlusive or non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia, ICG injection led to a modification of the surgical decision in 44 patients (36.6%). Three studies evaluated the use of ICG in trauma patients to assess the viability of bowel or parenchymatous organs in abdominal trauma, to evaluate the perfusion-related tissue impairment in extremity or craniofacial trauma, and to reassess the efficacy of surgical procedures performed in terms of vascularization. ICG injection led to a modification of the surgical decision in 50 patients (23.9%).

CONCLUSION

ICG fluorescence is a safe and feasible tool also in an emergency setting. There is increasing evidence that the use of ICG fluorescence during abdominal surgery could facilitate intra-operative decision-making and improve patient outcomes, even in the field of emergency surgery.

Small bowel necrosis after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to fully understand small bowel necrosis, a rare but fatal complication after esophagectomy.

METHODS

Patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from January 2013 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical information on the demographics, presenting features, and outcomes of the cases were collected.

RESULTS

Of the 6607 patients during the study period, 11 (0.2%) underwent reoperation due to bowel necrosis, including nine males (81.8%) and two females (18.2%). Among them, eight cases (72.7%) had hypertension and seven (63.6%) suffered from lower thoracic esophageal cancer. Eight (72.7%) and three (27.3%) patients underwent the Ivor-Lewis and McKewon procedures, respectively. Jejunostomy was performed in nine patients (81.8%). The first signs of bowel necrosis appeared within 5 days after esophagectomy. Abdominal distension and deteriorating renal function were observed in seven patients (63.6%). There was no evidence of mesenteric vascular occlusion in any of the 11 cases, except for the hepatic portal venous gas found in seven patients on the computed tomography (CT) scan. Eight (72.7%) of the 11 patients underwent reoperation within 24 h due to the onset of the first symptoms. Eight (72.7%) had ileal necrosis, and three (27.3%) died.

CONCLUSION

Close attention should be paid to patients with abdominal distension, renal function damage, and portal hepatic venous gas after esophagectomy. These patients may suffer from small bowel necrosis, which may result in rapid disease progression. Exploratory laparotomy and bowel resection are effective treatments for such patients.

Bowel perfusion demonstrated using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in two cases of strangulated ileus

We report the use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence for intraoperative diagnosis in two cases of strangulated ileus. We successfully preserved the bowel and avoided postoperative complications by detecting adequate perfusion and no necrosis in the intestine's strangulated regions. In the first case, enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a closed loop intestine, which showed poor contrast, and we performed laparotomy with ICG fluorescence. In the second case, the CT scan revealed bowel obstruction without ascites. We conservatively treated the patient with the insertion of a long tube. The patient's condition did not improve, and we performed laparotomy using ICG fluorescence. In both of these cases, the visual observation during laparotomy showed that the ileum had dark-red discoloration. We demonstrated perfusion and preserved the ileum by injecting 2.5 mg of ICG intravenously; fluorescence was observed in the dark-red ileum using the PINPOINT system (Novadaq, Kalamazoo, MI, US). Both patients recovered successfully after the surgery with no adverse events. Our data suggest that ICG fluorescence imaging can be one of the decision-making modalities in patients with strangulated ileus.

Successful salvage of torsion testis by means of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging

Background

Testicular torsion (TT) is common surgical emergency that requires early diagnosis and immediate intervention within 6 h since its onset to salvage the testis. However, the decision was made only by the surgeon’s experience whether it has to be resected or not. Recently, indocyanine green (ICG) has become an excellent tool to identify biliary and vascular anatomy, and assess perfusion abnormalities in tissues. In this case report, we successfully salvaged the twisted testis, since the testicular blood perfusion was confirmed by means of intraoperative ICG (IICG) fluorescence imaging.

Case presentation

A 14-year-old healthy male patient presented due to acute left testicular pain. The patient was diagnosed with TT and had immediate surgery. Macroscopically, the testis had stagnant blood flow and appeared to be dark colored. After manual detorsion, the testis remained cyanotic and with macroscopically poor blood flow. ICG angiography was performed under near-infrared light by laparoscopic camera to assess the perfusion of the affected testicle. An excellent ICG signal appeared after 45 s in the testis, and decision was made to be preserved. Therefore, left orchidopexy was performed to complete the operation. The patient had a good postoperative course and was discharged the day after surgery. Six months later, the testis did not show any shrinkage, and both sides of the testis showed the same size without any consequences.

Conclusion

The blood flow in the testis was visually confirmed during the IICG fluorescence method. ICG fluorescence imaging may become an effective alternative to evaluate whether a testis can be preserved following TT.

Utility of X-ray and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma dissemination on laparoscopic surgery: A case report

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging is useful for the intraoperative detection of the peritoneal dissemination of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, in laparoscopic surgery, disseminations cannot be accurately identified unless the camera lens is positioned close to the lesion. The present study describes a case of HCC dissemination in which the lesions were accurately identified by combining intraoperative fluoroscopy with ICG fluorescence imaging. A 76-year-old male was diagnosed with HCC dissemination. Computed tomography revealed a 9-mm disseminated nodule near the gallbladder. Although transarterial chemoembolization had also been used to treat this lesion, chemoembolization was technically difficult to perform. Therefore, a coil was placed around the lesion to serve as an intraoperative landmark for later laparoscopic resection. Given the potential difficulty of detecting the lesion during laparoscopic surgery, ICG fluorescence imaging was used to determine the approximate location of the dissemination. The lesion exhibited strong fluorescence, which facilitated its complete resection.

Planned Versus On-Demand Relaparotomy Strategy in Initial Surgery for Non-occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia

BACKGROUND

There has been insufficient evidence regarding a treatment strategy for patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) due to the lack of large-scale studies. We aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of strategic planned relaparotomy in patients with NOMI using detailed perioperative information.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study that included NOMI patients who underwent laparotomy. In-hospital mortality, 28-day mortality, incidence of total adverse events, ventilator-free days, and intensive care unit (ICU)-free days were compared between groups experiencing the planned and on-demand relaparotomy strategies. Analyses were performed using a multivariate mixed effects model and a propensity score matching model after adjusting for pre-operative, intra-operative, and hospital-related confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 181 patients from 17 hospitals were included, of whom 107 (59.1%) were treated using the planned relaparotomy strategy. The multivariate mixed effects regression model indicated no significant differences for in-hospital mortality (61 patients [57.0%] in the planned relaparotomy group vs. 28 patients [37.8%] in the on-demand relaparotomy group; adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.94 [0.78-4.80]), as well as in 28-day mortality, adverse events, and ICU-free days. Significant reduction in ventilator-free days was observed in the planned relaparotomy group. Propensity score matching analysis of 61 matched pairs with comparable patient severity did not show superiority of the planned relaparotomy strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

The planned relaparotomy strategy, compared with on-demand relaparotomy strategy, did not show clinical benefits after the initial surgery of patients with NOMI. Further studies estimating potential subpopulations who may benefit from this strategy are required.

Successful surgical treatment for nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia of a wide area of the intestine accompanied by gastric conduit necrosis after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) has been reported to be a life-threating disease. Gastric conduit necrosis is known as a critical postoperative complication after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. We encountered a rare case of NOMI of a wide area of the intestine accompanied by gastric conduit necrosis after esophagectomy, which was successfully treated with an emergency operation.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old man presented with dysphagia. He was diagnosed with middle thoracic advanced esophageal cancer. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, he underwent subtotal esophagectomy with lymphadenectomy and gastric conduit reconstruction. On postoperative day (POD) 2, he had diarrhea, high fever, and low blood pressure, which were treated with catecholamines. Laboratory data revealed acidosis and severe sepsis with multi-organ failure, including the kidneys. Although enhanced computed tomography did not exhibit definite findings of bowel ischemia, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed necrotic mucosal changes in the whole gastric conduit. Therefore, we made a diagnosis of septic shock caused by gastric conduit necrosis and performed an emergency operation. When we explored the abdominal cavity, we found not only gastric conduit necrosis but also intermittent necrotic changes in the intestinal wall from the jejunum to the rectum. Therefore, NOMI was diagnosed. We performed an excision of the gastric conduit and 2 m of the small intestine, as well as total colectomy. After the second operation, prostaglandin E1 was administered intravenously as the treatment for NOMI, and sepsis was improved. On POD 122, he was self-discharged. He died of recurrence of lung metastasis from the esophageal cancer 9 months after the first operation.

CONCLUSION

When a patient has a critical status, including severe sepsis or severe acidosis, after esophagectomy, we should consider the possibility of NOMI in addition to gastric conduit necrosis and aim to diagnose and treat it immediately with an urgent operation.

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia associated with enteral feeding after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: report of two cases and review of the literature

Background

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a rare but life-threatening complication of early postoperative enteral feeding. We herein report two patients who developed NOMI during enteral feeding after esophagectomy.

Case presentation

In case 1, a 75-year-old man with no medical history was diagnosed with multiple primary cancers of the esophagus, stomach, and kidney. He underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement followed by thoracoscopic esophagectomy and cervical esophagostomy placement as the first-stage operation. Gastrostomy feeding was started on postoperative day (POD) 3 with a polymeric formula (ENSURE H®). On POD 7, he developed acute abdominal pain and distension with bloody drainage through the gastrostomy tube. Dynamic computed tomography showed massive hepatic portal venous gas and pneumatosis intestinalis. Angiography showed diffuse spasms in the branches of the superior mesenteric artery. Under a diagnosis of NOMI, we started intra-arterial infusion of papaverine and prostaglandin E1. His symptoms improved, and he was discharged on POD 48.

In case 2, a 68-year-old man with diabetes and atrial fibrillation was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. His medical history was significant for pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for gastric cancer and small bowel resection for trauma. He underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy, open total gastrectomy, colonic reconstruction, and jejunostomy tube placement. Adhesiolysis for abdominal severe adhesions caused by previous operations was difficult. Jejunostomy feeding was started on POD 3 with a polymeric formula (Racol®). On POD 7, he developed persistent diarrhea and cervical anastomotic leakage. On POD 9, he developed acute abdominal pain and distension with bloody drainage through the jejunostomy tube. Dynamic computed tomography showed the same findings as in case 1. Under a diagnosis of NOMI, we started intravenous infusion of papaverine and prostaglandin E1. His symptoms improved, and he was discharged on POD 28.

Conclusions

The causes of feeding-related NOMI may include the use of a high-osmolarity formula, preoperative malnutrition, abdominal adhesiolysis, systemic inflammation after anastomotic leakage, and a medical history of diabetes and atrial fibrillation. NOMI should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with these risk factors and clinical features such as acute abdominal pain and distension during enteral feeding.

Indocyanine green-based fluorescence imaging in visceral and hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery: State of the art and future directions

In recent years, the use of fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) to treat benign and malignant visceral, hepatobiliary and pancreatic neoplasms has significantly increased. FGS relies on the fluorescence signal emitted by injected substances (fluorophores) after being illuminated by ad hoc laser sources to help guide the surgical procedure and provide the surgeon with real-time visualization of the fluorescent structures of interest that would be otherwise invisible. This review surveys and discusses the most common and emerging clinical applications of indocyanine green (ICG)-based fluorescence in visceral, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. The analysis, findings, and discussion presented here rely on the authors' significant experience with this technique in their medical institutions, an up-to-date review of the most relevant articles published on this topic between 2014 and 2018, and lengthy discussions with key opinion leaders in the field during recent conferences and congresses. For each application, the benefits and limitations of this technique, as well as applicable future directions, are described. The imaging of fluorescence emitted by ICG is a simple, fast, relatively inexpensive, and harmless tool with numerous different applications in surgery for both neoplasms and benign pathologies of the visceral and hepatobiliary systems. The ever-increasing availability of visual systems that can utilize this tool will transform some of these applications into the standard of care in the near future. Further studies are needed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each application of ICG-based fluorescence imaging in abdominal surgery.