A new endoscopic tattooing technique for identifying the location of colonic lesions during laparoscopic surgery: a comparison with the conventional technique

Spillage of endoscopic tattoo before laparoscopic colectomy: A case report and literature search

ABSTRACT

Endoscopic tattooing with India ink is a common practice before the laparoscopic resection of polyps/tumours. Sometimes, due to inadvertent intramuscular instead of submucosal injection, it may lead to peritoneal spillage precluding the laparoscopic approach and warrant open resection. There are a few reports of post-operative abdominal sepsis. We report a case where spillage led to open conversion due to poor visibility and post-operative abdominal sepsis necessitating a change of antibiotics and prolonged hospital stay. Surgeons should be aware of these complications from this apparently innocuous step. We also did a review of the literature to see how this can be prevented and what alternative approaches have been developed.

Preoperative fluorescent clip marking vs. India ink tattooing for tumor identification during colorectal surgery

PURPOSE

Identifying tumor location is important in colorectal tumor resection. Preoperative endoscopic India ink marking is a widespread practice, but local injection of ink is an unstable procedure. Although it is often invisible, the ink may be sprayed into the peritoneal cavity and contaminate the surgical field. At our hospital, we introduced fluorescent clip marking (FCM) using the Zeoclip FS®, an endoscopic clip developed using near-infrared fluorescent resin. We tested the usefulness of FCM by retrospectively comparing cases in which FCM was used with cases in which conventional ink marking was used.

METHODS

We enrolled 305 patients with colorectal tumors who underwent colorectal surgery after preoperative marking from January 2017 to April 2022. We classified the patients into the FCM group (86 patients) and the India ink tattoo group (219 patients). Endoscopic marking was completed in the FCM group by the day before surgery, and fluorescence was evaluated during surgery with a fluorescent laparoscopic system. Patient backgrounds, marking visibility, adverse effects, and early postoperative results were retrospectively compared between groups.

RESULTS

Marking was visually confirmed in 80 patients in the FCM group (93.02%) and in 166 patients in the India ink tattoo group (75.80%) (p = 0.0006). In the group with India ink tattoos, contamination of the surgical field was observed in seven cases (3.20%). No adverse events were observed in the FCM group.

CONCLUSION

In colorectal surgery, FCM provides better visibility than the conventional India ink tattooing method and is a simple and safe marking method.

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/clinicalresearch-r02.pdf .

Assessment of Autologous Blood marker localIzation and intraoperative coLonoscopy localIzation in laparoscopic colorecTal cancer surgery (ABILITY): a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been proved to have similar oncological outcomes with open surgery. Due to the lack of tactile perception, surgeons may have misjudgments in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Therefore, the accurate localization of a tumor before surgery is important, especially in the early stages of cancer. Autologous blood was thought a feasible and safe tattooing agent for preoperative endoscopic localization but its benefits remain controversial. We therefore proposed this randomized trial to the accuracy and safety of autogenous blood localization in small, serosa-negative lesion which will be resected by laparoscopic colectomy.

METHODS

The current study is a single-center, open-label, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants would be aged 18-80 years and diagnosed with large lateral spreading tumors that could not be treated endoscopically, malignant polyps treated endoscopically that required additional colorectal resection, and serosa-negative malignant colorectal tumors (≤ cT3). A total of 220 patients would be randomly assigned (1:1) to autologous blood group or intraoperative colonoscopy group. The primary outcome is the localization accuracy. The secondary endpoint is adverse events related to endoscopic tattooing.

DISCUSSION

This trial will investigate whether autologous blood marker achieves similar localization accuracy and safety in laparoscopic colorectal surgery compared to intraoperative colonoscopy. If our research hypothesis is statistically proved, the rational introduction of autologous blood tattooing in preoperative colonoscopy can help improve identification of the location of tumors for laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, performing an optimal resection, and minimizing unnecessary resections of normal tissues, thereby improving the patient's quality of life. Our research data will also provide high quality clinical evidence and data support for the conduction of multicenter phase III clinical trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05597384. Registered 28 October 2022.

Assessing the Association Between Endoscopic Tattooing and Lymph Node Yield in Rectal Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Preoperative endoscopic tattooing is an effective tool for intraoperative tumor localization in colon cancer. Endoscopic tattooing in rectal cancer may have unidentified benefits on lymph node yield, making it easier for pathologists to identify nodes during histopathologic assessment. There remains concern that tattoo ink may alter anatomical planes, increasing surgical difficulty.

METHODS

Retrospective chart reviews from 2016 to 2021 of n = 170 patients presenting with rectal cancer were divided into two groups: with (n = 79) and without (n = 91) endoscopic tattoos. Demographics, operative details, tumor characteristics, prior chemoradiation, and pathologic details were collected. Primary outcome was total lymph node yield. Secondary outcomes were rates of adequate (> 12) nodes, margin status, and operative variables including operative time.

RESULTS

No differences between pathologic stage, tumor height, high inferior mesenteric artery ligation, operative times, conversion rate, or surgical approach (open versus minimally invasive) were noted between groups. Receipt of neoadjuvant chemoradiation was less frequent in the endoscopic tattooing group (53.2% versus 76.9%, P ≤ 0.001). Total node number and rate of adequate lymph node yield were higher with endoscopic tattooing (20.5 ± 7.6 versus 16.8 ± 6.6 lymph nodes and 100.0% versus 83.5% adequate lymph node harvest, both P ≤ 0.001). Rates of positive circumferential and distal margins and complete total mesorectal excision were also similar. Regression analysis identified endoscopic tattooing (Incidence Risk Ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.31) and operative time more than 300 min (Incidence Risk Ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.77-0.99) had significant effects on lymph node harvest. Removal of patients with inadequate lymph node yield resulted in similar rates of total and positive lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic rectal tattooing is associated with increased lymph node yield (including after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy) without sacrificing oncologic or perioperative outcomes, although this effect is inconsistent when only considering patients with an adequate lymph node yield.

Battery-Free Tattooing Mechanism-Based Functional Active Capsule Endoscopy

This paper presents a novel tattooing capsule endoscope (TCE) for delivering a certain amount of ink to the submucosal layer of digestive tract organs. A dual-function permanent magnet is used for locomotion and injection activation. The developed capsule endoscope can move actively in 5 DOF due to the interaction between the permanent magnet and a controllable external magnetic field produced by an electromagnet actuation system. In addition, the permanent magnet is involved in a specially designed mechanism to activate a process that creates a squeezing motion to eject the liquid from the storage room to the target. The dimension of the prototype is 12.5 mm in diameter and 34.6 mm in length. The proposed TCE is tested ex vivo using a fresh porcine small-intestine segment. We were able to direct the TCE to the target and deliver the tattoo agent into the tissue. The proposed mechanism can be used for drug delivery or lesion tattooing, as well as to accelerate the realization of the functional capsule endoscope in practice.

Inking outside the box: systematic review on the utility of tattooing lesions in rectal cancer

PURPOSE

Endoscopic tattooing in rectal cancer is infrequently utilized for fear of tattoo ink obscuring anatomical planes, increasing the difficulty of surgical excision. Colon cancer tattooing has demonstrated increased lymph node yields and increased accuracy in establishing adequate margins. Rectal cancer tattooing may be especially helpful after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, where complete clinical responses could limit lesion identification and lymph node yields are typically less robust. We seek to review and identify the effects of tattooing in rectal cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS. Studies on endoscopic tattooing with cohorts consisting of at least ≥ 25% of rectal cancer patients were selected. Studies focusing solely on rectal cancer were also reviewed separately.

RESULTS

Of 416 studies identified, 10 studies encompassing 2460 patients were evaluated. Seven studies evaluated lymph node yields; five reported beneficial effects of endoscopic tattooing, while two reported no significant difference. Among four studies reporting lesion localization, successful localization rates were between 63 and 100%. Rates of intraoperative endoscopy performed to reevaluate lesion location ranged from 5.7 to 20%. The distal margin was evaluated in two studies, which reported more accurate placement of the distal resection margin after tattooing. When complications of tattooing were documented (7 studies with 889 patients), only five direct complications of endoscopic tattooing were observed (0.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the data is heterogenous, it suggests that endoscopic tattooing in rectal cancer may improve lymph node yields and assist in determining accurate distal margins without high rates of complication. Further research must be completed before practice management guidelines can change.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

No. CRD42021271784.

Lymph Node Cluster Dissection After Carbon Nanoparticles Injection Enhances the Retrieval Number in Colorectal Cancer

For colorectal cancer patients, NCCN recommended that at least 12 lymph nodes should be detected since the number and metastases status of lymph nodes played an important role in the treatment and prognostic. Carbon nanoparticles have been proved to be an efficient lymph node tracer. Faced with the clinical problem of insufficient lymph nodes in colorectal cancer, we proposed a lymph node cluster (D3, D2 and D1) dissection method combined with carbon nanoparticle injection. In our study, patients were divided into 2 groups (CNP and control). All lymph nodes of each patient were collected and made into hematoxylin-eosin sections to observe their size, staining appearance and metastasis status under the microscope. As a result, the total lymph nodes in CNP group were greatly higher than control group (51.45 vs. 29.62, P = 0.000), especially micro LNs and positive micro LNs. Compared with D2 and D1 stations, fewer lymph nodes were found in D3, and it was the same for cancer metastasis status. In CNP group, most lymph nodes got black for quick visualization. In conclusion, lymph node cluster dissection combined with carbon nanoparticles could enhance the number of lymph node retrieval.

Clip or Tattooing: A Comparative Study for Preoperative Colon Cancer Endoscopic Localization

Background and Aim

Preoperative endoscopic markers have been extensively used for the localization of colonic neoplastic lesions in laparoscopic surgery. We conducted this respective cohort study to compare the localization accuracy of two commonly used endoscopic marker strategies (endoscopic clip plus abdominal plain film and endoscopic tattooing).

Methods

Patients who received preoperative colonoscopy localization for colonic neoplasia and underwent an elective laparoscopic operation afterward between 2013 and 2020 were included in this retrospective study. The localization accuracy of the two endoscopic strategies was compared, and the predictors of successful endoscopic localization were identified by multivariate regression.

Results

In total, 195 patients [average age 62.4 ± 9.2 years, 123 male (63.1%)] undergoing preoperative colonoscopy localization and subsequent laparoscopic colectomy for colonic neoplasms were included. Endoscopic localization was finally proven to be successful in 150 (76.9%) patients in the surgery. Compared to the tattooing group, patients who had successful localization for colonic lesions were fewer in the clip group (64 of 101 cases, 63.4% vs. 86 of 94 cases, 91.5%, p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis showed that the endoscopic tattooing strategy, endoscopic clip strategy, and lesion location were all predictors for successful localization (all with p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared with endoscopic clip plus abdominal plain film, endoscopic tattooing had higher localization accuracy and less intraoperative colonoscopy counseling; the endoscopic clip strategy, tattooing strategy, and colonic lesion location were all predictors of successful endoscopic localization.

Small-Dose Endoscopic Tattooing Using a Novel Needle for Localization Prior to Laparoscopic Surgery of Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUNDS

Endoscopic tattooing failure by deep mural injection or tattoo leakage-induced massive staining causes localization errors or decreased laparoscopic visualization. To overcome these, we developed a novel tattoo needle with comparatively shorter needle (length, 2.5 mm) and minimal-caliber catheter (volume, 0.3 mL).

AIMS

The single-center, prospective observational study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a small-doze endoscopic tattooing prior to laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer, using the needle.

METHODS

Patients with colorectal cancer indicated for laparoscopic surgery were recruited. With the novel needle, a single tattoo was created at the anterior wall close to the lesion. During laparoscopic surgery, surgeons assessed the tattoo visibility, tattoo leakage, and the disturbance of laparoscopic view by tattoo leakage. The primary endpoint was an accurate localization by visible tattoo. Secondary endpoints were adverse events related to tattooing, the need for intraoperative endoscopy, and tattoo leakage.

RESULTS

A total of 383 tattoos in 358 patients were analyzed. Accurate tumor localization rate was 96.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 94.3-98.0%). No adverse events occurred. Intraoperative colonoscopy was performed in 7 (1.8%) patients with invisible tattoo. Tattoo leakage was found in 4.2% (95%CI: 2.6-6.7%), and leakage disturbed the laparoscopic view of the surgical plane in 0.7% (95%CI: 0.3-2.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior to laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer, our endoscopic tattooing with a standardized protocol using a novel needle is considered a simple, highly reliable localization technique with an extremely safe profile, which would be valuable to reduce physician's efforts and redundant medical resources. Trial registration number UMIN000021012. Date of registration: June 2016.

Intraoperative localization of gastrointestinal tumors by magnetic tracer technique during laparoscopic-assisted surgery (with video)

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic localization of gastrointestinal tumors has long been an important objective. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical application of a magnetic tracer technique during laparoscopic-assisted surgery.

METHODS

Fifty-seven patients with gastrointestinal tumors, who voluntarily underwent endoscopic marking between May 2019 and May 2020, were enrolled. A magnetic ring was clamped onto tissues adjacent to the lesion and released during preoperative endoscopy. Then, another magnet ring or laparoscopic instrument was delivered to the wall of the digestive tract contralateral to the lesion and attracted, thus achieving accurate intraoperative localization. Observational evaluation included data regarding preoperative marking, intraoperative localization, operation, and safety.

RESULTS

Fifty-six of the 57 (98.2%) patients with gastric tumors (n = 35), duodenal tumors (n = 1), and colorectal tumors (n = 20), successfully underwent marking, localization, and resection. The mean margins of proximal and distal resection of colorectal tumors were 106 and 78 mm, respectively. The mean (± SD) duration of endoscopic marking and laparoscopic localization for gastric/duodenal and colorectal tumors were 5.3 ± 0.3, 1.0 ± 0.1, 5.5 ± 0.4, and 1.0 ± 0.1 min, respectively. No complications occurred in 56 of the 57 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The magnetic tracer technique demonstrated promising potential as a localization method for gastrointestinal tumors, with superior safety, effectiveness, rapidity, and convenience.

When and How To Use Endoscopic Tattooing in the Colon: An International Delphi Agreement

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There is a lack of clinical studies to establish indications and methodology for tattooing, therefore technique and practice of tattooing is very variable. We aimed to establish a consensus on the indications and appropriate techniques for colonic tattoo through a modified Delphi process.

METHODS

The baseline questionnaire was classified into 3 areas: where tattooing should not be used (1 domain, 6 questions), where tattooing should be used (4 domains, 20 questions), and how to perform tattooing (1 domain 20 questions). A total of 29 experts participated in the 3 rounds of the Delphi process.

RESULTS

A total of 15 statements were approved. The statements that achieved the highest agreement were as follows: tattooing should always be used after endoscopic resection of a lesion with suspicion of submucosal invasion (agreement score, 4.59; degree of consensus, 97%). For a colorectal lesion that is left in situ but considered suitable for endoscopic resection, tattooing may be used if the lesion is considered difficult to detect at a subsequent endoscopy (agreement score, 4.62; degree of consensus, 100%). A tattoo should never be injected directly into or underneath a lesion that might be removed endoscopically at a later point in time (agreement score, 4.79; degree of consensus, 97%). Details of the tattoo injection should be stated clearly in the endoscopy report (agreement score, 4.76; degree of consensus, 100%).

CONCLUSIONS

This expert consensus has developed different statements about where tattooing should not be used, when it should be used, and how that should be done.

Intraoperative Tumor Localization of Early Gastric Cancers

Recently, endoscopic screening systems have enabled the diagnosis of gastric cancer in the early stages. Early gastric cancer (EGC) is typically characterized by a shallow invasion depth and small size, which can hinder localization of EGC tumors during laparoscopic surgery. Here, we review nine recently reported tumor localization methods for the laparoscopic resection of EGCs. Preoperative dye or blood tattooing has the disadvantage of spreading. Preoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction is not performed in real time during laparoscopic gastrectomy. Thus, they are considered to have a low accuracy. Intraoperative portable abdominal radiography and intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography methods can provide real-time feedback, but these methods require expertise, and it can be difficult to define the clips in some gastric regions. Despite a few limitations, intraoperative gastrofibroscopy provides real-time feedback with high accuracy. The detection system using an endoscopic magnetic marking clip, fluorescent clip, and radio-frequency identification detection system clip is considered highly accurate and provides real-time feedback; we expect a commercial version of this setup to be available in the near future. However, there is not yet an easy method for accurate real-time detection. We hope that improved devices will soon be developed and used in clinical settings.

Preoperative Colonoscopic Tattooing Using a Direct Injection Method with Indocyanine Green for Localization of Colorectal Tumors: An Efficacy and Safety Comparison Study

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Ways to perform an endoscopic tattoo. Prospective and randomized study in patients with colorectal neoplasm

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

intraoperative identification of colonic lesions previously detected via colonoscopy may be difficult. Endoscopic tattooing facilitates identification, but there is no evidence regarding which is the best tattoo technique. The goal of the study was to describe the efficacy and safety of endoscopic tattooing and to detect technical and clinical factors associated with its efficacy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

a prospective and randomized study was performed. All tattoo candidate patients were included prior to surgery and randomized into four groups; tattoo at two or three injection points and with a volume of 1 or 1.5 ml of labeling. Multiple variables were registered.

RESULTS

one hundred and ninety-five patients were included with an endoscopic tattoo and who subsequently underwent a surgical intervention, the mean age was 70.1 years and 67.2 % were male. The laparoscopic approach was applied in 57.9 % of cases. The intraoperative visibility of the endoscopic tattoo was 89.7 % and 30 % of rectal lesions were not visible. Excluding the rectum, the marking was visible intraoperatively in 92 % of patients, without significant differences according to the surgical approach, the type of marking or any of the variables collected. The tattoo was safe in 92.3 % of the cases. The adverse effect rate was 7.7 % and none of the complications were clinically significant. There were no significant differences between any variables collected in relation to adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

endoscopic colon tattoo is safe and effective regardless of the technique used. We recommend the technique of two injection points and 1 ml of marking volume for its simplicity, efficiency and safety.

Indocyanine green-loaded injectable alginate hydrogel as a marker for precision cancer surgery

Background

Accurate identification of tumor sites and boundaries is of paramount importance during minimally invasive surgery. Although laparoscopic resection is being increasingly and widely performed for early gastric and colorectal cancers, the detection of tumors located inside the stomach and intestine is difficult owing to the lack of tactile sensation. Here, we propose the application of an indocyanine green (ICG)-loaded alginate hydrogel system as a fluorescence surgical marker for precise laparoscopic operations.

Methods

A physical complex of ICG and human serum albumin (HSA) was mixed with sodium alginate to form an injectable hydrogel system. Calcium carbonate and D-gluconic acid (GA) were added to the gel to control its strength and gelation time, respectively. The optimal conditions for the preparation of injectable hydrogels were determined by analyzing the fluorescence spectra and sol-gel transition time of the prepared samples at various concentrations and compositions. Next, the aqueous solutions of ICG, ICG-HSA, and ICG-HSA-loaded alginate were subcutaneously injected into nude mice (three mice per group), and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence images of the mice (λ_ex. =780 nm, λ_em. =845 nm) were obtained at different points in time for 8 days. Then, fluorescence intensities at the injection sites, target-to-background ratio, and areas of ICG fluorescence were analyzed. Finally, the potential utility of ICG-HSA-loaded alginate hydrogel as a surgical marker was evaluated in a porcine model. The ICG-HSA-loaded alginate solution was injected into three sites in the submucosal space of the porcine stomach via a catheter. A fluorescent laparoscopic system was installed on the abdomen of the pig 3 days post-injection, and the fluorescence signal generated from the fluorescence surgical marker located inside the stomach was evaluated using the fluorescence laparoscope system (λ_ex. =785 nm, λ_em. =805 nm).

Results

The optimal concentration of ICG-HSA complex was determined to be 30 µM, and maximum fluorescence intensity of the complex was obtained at a 1:1 mole ratio of HSA to ICG. The subcutaneous injection of ICG or ICG-HSA solution in mice resulted in the rapid spread of the fluorescence signal around the injection site in 3 h, and a weak fluorescence was detected at the injection site 24 h post-injection. In contrast, the fluorescence detection time was effectively prolonged up to 96 h post-injection in the case of ICG-HSA-loaded alginate gel, while diffusion of the injected ICG from the injection site was effectively prevented. In the laparoscopic operation, injection sites of the hydrogel in porcine stomach could be accurately detected in real time even after 3 days.

Conclusions

This alginate hydrogel system may be potentially useful as an effective surgical marker in terms of accuracy and persistence for laparoscopic operation.

A Miniaturized Capsule Endoscope Equipped a Marking Module for Intestinal Tumor Localization

This study introduces a miniaturized capsule endoscope equipped with a marking module for intestinal tumor or lesion localization. The design concept is based on an active wireless capsule endoscope platform that is manipulated by an external electromagnetic actuation (EMA) system. The magnetic response of a permanent magnet inside the capsule is designed to have flexible movement in viscous environment of bowel. This magnet is also utilized to activate tattooing process by triggering a gas-generated chemical reaction. Once approaching to a target region, gradient magnetic field from EMA system is induced to push magnet down, releasing water to dry chemical powder mixture. Then the gas pressure increases and pushes the piston move to inject ink into target point. During traveling in digestive organs, injection needle is stowed inside the capsule to avoid damage to the organs. The whole procedure is manipulated by EMA system, the injection consumes no internal battery and is observable through capsule's camera which provides clinician vision. Basic tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of proposed robotic capsule. The success of creating a black visible bled from serosa of intestine proves the feasibility and potential of the design. This study could be an alternative for traditional tattooing endoscopy and motivate other research groups for further development of functional wireless capsule endoscope.

Intraoperative colonoscopy in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A review of recent publications

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic colorectal resection is becoming the gold standard for treating colorectal cancers because it offers superior short-term and comparable long-time outcomes compared to open surgery. Intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) is increasingly performed for tumor localization and mucosal assessment. The aim of this report was to review the safety and efficacy of IOC in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHOD

A MEDLINE search of studies of IOC in laparoscopic colorectal surgery was performed. We focused on three aspects of IOC use: (i) IOC for intraoperative tumor localization; (ii) colonic irrigation and IOC for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancers; and (iii) IOC for assessing colorectal anastomosis.

RESULTS

During laparoscopic colorectal surgery, IOC enables accurate localization of early mucosal tumors, detection of lesions in the proximal unexamined colon for obstructive left-sided cancer, and visual assessment of anastomosis. Additionally, IOC allows for proper surgical resection, management of concomitant lesions, immediate maintenance of hemostasis, suture repair of leaks, and the creation of a protective stoma as necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative colonoscopy is beneficial in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Experienced surgical endoscopists should be trained to safely perform IOC.

Preoperative endoscopic tattooing technique improved lymph node retrieval in rectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy

Aims

To describe the clinical utility of lymph node retrieval and prognostic value of tattooing in rectal cancer (RC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods

A total 97 RC patients underwent preoperative CCRT, and 38 patients had preoperative endoscopic tattooing. Surgical intervention was performed after CCRT and the specimens were sampled as standard protocol in all patients. Other clinicopathological parameters correlated with lymph node retrieval status were also analysed.

Results

Fifteen patients (39.5%) of 38 RC patients in the tattooing group (TG) had adequate lymph node retrieval (>12) compared with 12 (20.3%) of 59 in the non-tattooing group. Higher lymph node retrieval rate was noted in the TG (p=0.04). In multivariable analysis, it showed tattooing was an independent predictive factor for higher lymph node retrieval in RC patients after CCRT (p=0.024) by logistic regression modelling. Besides histological grade, positive lymphovascular invasion, presence of lymph node metastasis, poor CCRT response and advanced pathological stage, inadequate lymph node retrieval was significantly associated with poor survival (all p<0.05) by Kaplan-Meier analysis. In multivariable analyses, the results revealed that lymph node retrieval (p=0.005), pathological stage (p=0.001) and tumour progression grade (p=0.02) were independent prognostic markers in RC patients receiving CCRT.

Conclusion

Preoperative endoscopic tattooing is a useful technique for RC patient receiving neoadjuvant CCRT. It can improve lymph node retrieval and provide an adequate diagnosis for proper treatment and prognosis.

Sterile carbon particle suspension vs India ink for endoscopic tattooing of colonic lesions: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Different markers have been used preoperatively to mark colonic lesions, especially India ink. In recent years, another kind of marker has been developed: sterile carbon particle suspension (SCPS). No comparison between these two markers has yet been made. The aim of the present study was to compare the pyrogenic, inflammatory and intraperitoneal effect of these two markers.

METHODS

From September 2015 to December 2018, adult patients who were candidates for elective laparoscopic colon resection were randomized to the SCPS or conventional India ink injection group using computer-based randomization. The primary endpoint of the study was the presence of intraoperative adhesions related to the endoscopic tattoo. Secondary endpoints were differences in white blood cell, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen levels as well as, abdominal pain and body temperature at baseline (before endoscopic tattooing) and 6 and 24 h after colonoscopy. Finally, the visibility of the tattoo during the minimally invasive intervention was assessed.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients were included in the study, 47 for each arm. There were 45/94 females (47.9%) and 49/94 males (52.1%), with a median age of 67.85 ± 9.22 years. No differences were found between groups in WBC, fibrinogen levels, body temperature or VAS scores, but we documented significantly higher CRP values at 6 and 24 h after endoscopic tattooing with India ink injection. There were significantly fewer adhesions in the SCPS Endoscopic Marker group. All the endoscopic tattoos were clearly visible.

CONCLUSIONS

SCPS is an effective method for tattooing colonic lesions and has a better safety profile than traditional India ink in terms of post-procedure inflammatory response and intraoperative bowel adhesions.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT03637933).

Lesion Retrieval, Specimen Handling, and Endoscopic Marking in Colonoscopy

Retrieval of lesions after endoscopic polypectomy enables histopathologic analysis and guides future surgical management and endoscopic surveillance intervals. Various techniques and devices have been described with distinct advantages and disadvantages to accomplish retrieval. Appropriate histopathologic analysis depends on lesion handling and preparation. How lesions are handled further depends on size, endoscopic appearance, and removal technique. Endoscopic marking or tattooing is a well-described process that uses dye mediums to leave longstanding marks in the colon. Techniques, dye mediums, and locations within the colon influence tattoo approach.

A wireless tattooing capsule endoscope using external electromagnetic actuation and chemical reaction pressure

In this paper, we present a tattooing capsule endoscope (TCE) that can localize an intestinal lesion or tumor for a preoperative laparoscopic surgery. The TCE is based on a wireless capsule endoscope (WCE) structure and can be actively controlled by an external electromagnetic actuation system to move, observe, and mark the target lesion in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The TCE is designed to perform capsule locomotion, needle extrusion and intrusion motions, and ink injection. First, the TCE is controlled to move to the target lesion during GI tract diagnosis via a capsule endoscopic camera. Further, a tattooing needle is extruded by an electromagnetically controlled mechanism to puncture the tissue. Finally, the tattooing ink is injected by the chemically reacted carbon dioxide gas pressure that is triggered by a shape memory alloy wire and a reed switch. The reed switch is also activated by the external magnetic field flux density. The suggested methods were verified by the ex-vivo experiments. The TCE prototype was able to move to the target lesion and inject the ink beneath the mucosa layer safely, thereby leaving a visible tattooed mark for surgical lesion identification. The proposed TCE method can accelerate the development of functionalities as well as tattooing procedures of the WCE in the GI tract.

New marking method involving a light-emitting diode and power source device to localize gastrointestinal cancer in laparoscopic surgery

Although the preoperative endoscopic marking method using dye is widely used, the dye can spread into the tissue or abdominal cavity, inducing the inflammation and leading to the wrong dissection. We developed a novel marking method using an endoscopic clip with a light emitting diode (LED) and a power source device to detect the accurate location of the site of interest. We performed this new marking method in three patients with gastrointestinal cancers. We placed an endoscopic clip with an LED on the gastrointestinal mucosa and used a power source device outside of the human body to detect the LED. We detected the clip with the LED using the power source device. We also confirmed the usefulness of this clip in three of three (100%) patients with colorectal and gastric cancer. We developed a novel marking device using an LED to identify an objective location successfully.

Usefulness of colonic tattooing using indocyanine green in patients with colorectal tumors

AIM

To prove that tattooing using indocyanine green (ICG) is feasible in laparoscopic surgery for a colon tumor.

METHODS

From January 2012 to December 2016, all patients who underwent laparoscopic colonic surgery were retrospectively screened, and 1010 patients with colorectal neoplasms were included. Their lesions were tattooed with ICG the day before the operation. The tattooed group (TG) included 114 patients, and the non-tattooed group (NTG) was selected by propensity score matching of subjects based on age, sex, tumor staging, and operation method (n = 228). In total, 342 patients were enrolled. Between the groups, the changes in [Delta (Δ), preoperative-postoperative] the hemoglobin and albumin levels, operation time, hospital stay, oral ingestion period, transfusion, and perioperative complications were compared.

RESULTS

Preoperative TG had a shorter operation time (174.76 ± 51.6 min vs 192.63 ± 59.9 min, P < 0.01), hospital stay (9.55 ± 3.36 d vs 11.42 ± 8.23 d, P < 0.01), and post-operative oral ingestion period (1.58 ± 0.96 d vs 2.81 ± 1.90 d, P < 0.01). The Δ hemoglobin (0.78 ± 0.76 g/dL vs 2.2 ± 1.18 g/dL, P < 0.01) and Δ albumin (0.41 ± 0.44 g/dL vs 1.08 ± 0.39 g/dL, P < 0.01) levels were lower in the TG. On comparison of patients in the “N0” and “N1 or N2” groups, the N0 colon cancer group had a better operation time, length of hospital stay, oral ingestion period, Δ hemoglobin, and Δ albumin results than those of the N1 or N2 group. The operation methods affected the results, and laparoscopic anterior resection (LAR) showed similar results. However, for left and right hemicolectomy, both groups showed no difference in operation time or hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative tattooing with ICG is useful for laparoscopic colectomy, especially in the N0 colon cancer group and LAR.

Endoscopic tattooing of colorectal neoplasms removed by laparoscopy: a proposal for selective marking

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Preoperative endoscopic tattooing is an effective procedure to identify small intraoperative neoplasms. However, there are no defined criteria with regard to the indications for endoscopic tattooing of these lesions at the time of diagnosis. The aim of this study was to establish endoscopic criteria that allow the selection of patients who will need a tattoo during the diagnostic colonoscopy.

METHODS

An ambispective study of patients undergoing laparoscopy due to a colorectal neoplasia who underwent endoscopic tattooing during the period from 2007-2013 and 2016-2017. According to the endoscopic description of the neoplasms, the classification was polypoid lesions, neoplasms occupying < 50% or ≥ 50% of the intestinal lumen and stenosing neoplasias.

RESULTS

Tattooing of the lesion was performed in 120 patients and the same lesions were identified during surgery in 114 (95%) cases. Most of the neoplasias described as polypoids and neoplasias that occupied < 50% of the intestinal lumen were not visualized during surgery and therefore required a tattoo (33 of 42 and 18 of 26 respectively, p = 0.0001, X2). On the other hand, stenosing lesions or neoplasias occupying ≥ 50% of the intestinal lumen were mostly identified during surgery (15 of 15 and 36 of 37 respectively, p = 0.0001, X2) without the need for a tattoo. Overall, the identification of neoplasms according to established criteria was 98%.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that it is possible to establish endoscopic criteria that allow a successful selective tattooing during diagnostic endoscopy.

Preoperative Tattooing Using Indocyanine Green in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of indocyanine green (ICG) as a preoperative marking dye for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Methods

Between March 2013 and March 2015, 174 patients underwent preoperative colonoscopic tattooing using 1.0 to 1.5 mL of ICG and saline solution before laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Patients’ medical records and operation videos were retrospectively assessed to evaluate the visibility, duration, and adverse effects of tattooing.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 65 years (range, 34–82 years), and 63.2% of the patients were male. The median interval between tattooing and operation was 1.0 day (range, 0–14 days). Tattoos placed within 2 days of surgery were visualized intraoperatively more frequently than those placed at an earlier date (95% vs. 40%, respectively, P < 0.001). For tattoos placed within 2 days before surgery, the visualization rates by tattoo site were 98.6% (134 of 136) from the ascending colon to the sigmoid colon. The visualization rates at the rectosigmoid colon and rectum were 84% (21 of 25) and 81.3% (13 of 16), respectively (P < 0.001). No complications related to preoperative ICG tattooing occurred.

Conclusion

Endoscopic ICG tattooing is more useful for the preoperative localization of colonic lesions than it is for rectal lesions and should be performed within 2 days before laparoscopic surgery.

Clinical guidelines for endoscopic mucosal resection of non-pedunculated colorectal lesions

This document summarizes the contents of the Clinical Guidelines for the Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Non-Pedunculated Colorectal Lesions that was developed by the working group of the Spanish Society of Digestive Endoscopy (GSEED of Endoscopic Resection). This document presents recommendations for the endoscopic management of superficial colorectal neoplastic lesions.

Instrumental Mechanoreceptoric Palpation in Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background and Aims

Small gastric or colorectal tumours can be visually undetectable during laparoscopic surgeries, and available methods still do not provide a 100% localisation rate. Thus, new methods for further improvements in tumour localisation are highly desirable. In this study, we evaluated the usage of the Medical Tactile Endosurgical Complex (MTEC) in gastrointestinal surgery for localisation of tumours. The MTEC provides the possibility of instrumental mechanoreceptoric palpation, which serves as an analogue of conventional manual palpation.

Methods

Ninety-six elective surgeries were performed, including 48 open surgeries, 43 laparoscopies, and 5 robot-assisted surgeries. The 20 mm version of the MTEC tactile mechanoreceptor was used in open surgeries, and the 10 mm version in laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries.

Results

The mean time of instrumental mechanoreceptoric palpation was 3 minutes 12 seconds for open surgeries, which constituted the early stage of the learning curve, and 3 minutes 34 seconds for laparoscopic surgeries. No side effects or postoperative complications related to instrumental mechanoreceptoric palpation were observed, and this procedure provided data sufficient for tumour localisation in more than 95% of cases.

Conclusion

Instrumental mechanoreceptoric palpation performed using MTEC is a simple, safe, and reliable method for tumour localisation in gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery.

Successful endoscopic submucosal dissection of colon cancer with severe fibrosis after tattooing

Endoscopic tattooing is often used to facilitate the identification of colorectal lesions before endoscopic treatments. However, tattooing under the lesion can result in technical difficulties because of the dark endoscopic field and submucosal fibrosis. A 65-year-old man with a non-granular-type laterally spreading tumor was referred to our hospital after tattooing with India ink for surgery. However, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was selected for the resection of this lesion because the findings of magnifying endoscopy suggested an intramucosal cancer. Dissection around a dense section was difficult because of the dark endoscopic field and non-lifting as a result of severe fibrosis. We performed ESD using the following strategy: (1) injection with a smaller amount of indigo carmine and (2) cut and dissection from the side of the thinly tattooed area. The lesion was curatively resected en bloc without any complications. This finding suggests that endoscopic tattooing before endoscopic treatment should be performed one or two folds away from the lesion.

Tattooing improves the detection of small lymph nodes and increases the number of retrieved lymph nodes in patients with rectal cancer who receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

In rectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy, the number of Lymph nodes (LNs) required remains unclear. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether preoperative tattooing increases the number of LNs and enhances the detection rate of metastatic LNs.

METHODS

Eighty patients with rectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy were randomly assigned to receive no tattooing (C group) or to receive tattooing (T group).

RESULTS

The number of LNs was significantly higher in the T group (13.3 ± 7.4, mean ± SD) than in the C group (8.8 ± 5.9, p < 0.001), however, the number of positive LNs did not differ (0.5 ± 1.3 vs. 0.5 ± 1.1, p = 0.882). The long-axis diameter of LNs was significantly smaller in the T group than in the C group (3.4 ± 1.8 vs. 3.9 ± 2.3 mm, p < 0.001), however, the long-axis diameter of positive LNs did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

Tattooing increased the number of retrieved LNs by 51%, however, there was no increase in the number of positive LNs.

Use of a novel shorter minimum caliber needle for creating endoscopic tattoos for preoperative localization: a comparative ex vivo study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

In colorectal cancer surgery, inadvertent deep injections during endoscopic tattooing can cause India ink leakage into the peritoneum, leading to complications or to poor visualization of the surgical plane. This ex vivo animal study compared the use of novel shorter, minimum caliber needles versus conventional injection needles for endoscopic tattooing.

ANIMALS AND METHODS

Four endoscopists used the novel needles and conventional needles to make ten endoscopic tattoos (five tattoos/needle type/endoscopist) in harvested porcine rectum using a saline test-injection method. India ink leakage and the success of the tattoo (i. e. visible, < 40 mm, plus no India ink leakage) were compared.

RESULTS

India ink leakage was observed for 30 % (6/20) of the conventional needle tattoos but for none of the novel needle tattoos ( P  = 0.02). Tattoos created using the novel needles were more successful than those made with the conventional needles: 18/20 (90 %) vs. 11/20 (55 %); P  = 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of novel shorter minimum caliber needles may be safe and effective for endoscopic tattooing for preoperative localization prior to colorectal cancer surgery.

Endoscopic tattoo: the importance and need for standardised guidelines and protocol

Preoperative endoscopic tattoo is becoming more important with the advent of minimally invasive surgery. Current practices are variable and are operator-dependent. There are no evidence-based guidelines to aid endoscopists in clinical practice. Furthermore, there are still a number of issues with endoscopic tattoo including poor intraoperative visualisation, complications from tattooing and inaccurate documentation leading to the need for intraoperative endoscopy, prolonged operative time and reoperation due to lack of oncologic resection. This review aims to collate and summarise evidence for the best practice of endoscopic tattoo for colorectal lesions in order to provide guidance for endoscopists.

Endoscopic marking clip with an IC tag and receiving antenna to detect localization during laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

Conventional tattooing using India ink for preoperative marking during colonoscopy has been widely used. However, the ink used in this method can spread into the abdominal cavity and induce peritonitis. Therefore, we developed a new marking method using an endoscopic clip with an integrated circuit (IC) tag to accurately identify an objective location. We applied the novel method in laparoscopic surgery using a porcine model and also evaluated it with resected human gastrointestinal tissue.

METHODS

We placed an endoscopic clip with an IC tag through a forceps aperture in the gastrointestinal tract, by using a porcine surgery model. After the endoscopic procedure, we performed laparoscopic surgery and approached the receiving antenna in the abdominal cavity to detect the IC tag through the porcine intestine. In an ex vivo examination with human colon tissues, the clip with the IC tag was placed on the mucosal surface to determine its ability to be detected. The receiving antenna near the serosal side of the human colon segment accurately detected the clip with the IC tag.

RESULTS

We detected the clip with an IC tag with a detection device, by using a laparoscopic surgery model in vivo. We also confirmed its usefulness in five of five (100 %) human colon tissue samples tested ex vivo.

CONCLUSION

We developed a novel marking device using an IC tag to identify an objective location. We successfully demonstrated the usefulness of the clip with the IC tag and the antenna device used for its detection in a porcin laparoscopic surgery model and in resected human colon tissue.

Preoperative localization of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Preoperative colorectal tumor localization is crucial for appropriate resection and treatment planning. As the localization accuracy of conventional colonoscopy is considered to be low, several localization techniques have been developed. We systematically reviewed the tumor localization error rates of several preoperative endoscopic techniques and synthesized information on risk factors for localization errors and procedure-related adverse events.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the grey literature were searched. Studies were included if they reported tumor localization errors in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing resection with curative intent. Using random-effects models, pooled incidence of tumor localization errors were derived for conventional colonoscopy and colonoscopic tattooing. Due to the lack of comparative studies, a direct comparison of the pooled estimates was performed. Procedure-related adverse events, risk factors for localization errors, and the localization outcomes of other techniques such as colonoscopic clip placement, radioguided occult colonic lesion identification, and the use of magnetic endoscope imaging were also synthesized.

RESULTS

A total of 38 non-randomized controlled and observational studies were included in this review (2578 patients underwent conventional colonoscopy and 643 colonoscopic tattooing). The pooled incidence of localization errors with conventional colonoscopy was 15.4 % (95 % CI 12.0-18.7), whereas that of colonoscopic tattooing was 9.5 % (95 % CI 5.7-13.3), mean difference 5.9 % (95 % CI 0.65-11.14, p = 0.03). Adverse events secondary to tattooing were infrequent, and most were cases of ink spillage. Limited information was available for other localization techniques.

CONCLUSION

Conventional colonoscopy has a higher incidence of localization error compared to colonoscopic tattooing for localization of colorectal cancer. Colonoscopic tattooing is safe and leads to fewer tumor localization errors. Given the widespread adoption of laparoscopic resections for colorectal cancer, routine colonoscopic tattooing should be adopted. However, studies directly comparing different localization techniques are needed.

Intraoperative colonoscopy in patients with colorectal cancer: Review of recent developments

The use of intraoperative colonoscopy has increased alongside progress in the development of colonoscopy-associated devices and techniques, including the colonoscope itself. In the present review, we focus on four circumstances in which intraoperative colonoscopy is beneficial to colorectal surgery: (i) intraoperative determination of a tumor's location; (ii) observation of the proximal colon in cases of obstructive colorectal cancer; (iii) confirmation of the integrity of anastomosis; and (iv) novel surgical techniques that combine laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. In light of the findings of our review, a combination of colonoscopy and surgery-especially laparoscopic surgery-is expected to facilitate the optimal handling of a variety of colorectal tumors, ranging from benign cases to advanced and obstructive cases.

[Colonoscopic Tattooing of Colonic Lesions]

With the development of minimal invasive surgery including laparoscopic and robot surgery, colonoscopic tattooing of colonic lesions is becoming more important to ensure easy localization of the lesion during surgery. Lack of accurate lesion identification during minimal invasive surgery may lead to resection of wrong segment of the bowel. In this article, some topics including proper materials, injection technique, and safety of colonoscopic tattooing are reviewed.

Preoperative endoscopic tattooing to mark the tumour site does not improve lymph node retrieval in colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

A direct correlation between number of lymph nodes retrieved and evaluated after a colectomy for colorectal cancer and survival of the patient has been reported, and consensus guidelines recommend to assess at least 12 lymph nodes for adequate staging. Many factors (i.e., patients' and tumour characteristics, surgeon, and pathologist) may influence the evaluation of the presence of neoplastic disease in lymph nodes as well as the total number of lymph nodes examined. Preoperative endoscopic tattooing to mark the site of the tumour has recently been suggested to facilitate the retrieval of lymph nodes in colorectal specimens. The aim of this study was to investigate its association with adequate lymphadenectomy (≥12 nodes) after colorectal resection for cancer.

RESULTS

All patients undergoing elective colorectal resection for cancer between 2009 and 2011 at the S. Anna University Hospital in Ferrara, Italy (N = 250) were retrospectively divided into two cohorts according to whether ink tattooing to mark the tumour site was performed during preoperative colonoscopy. The two cohorts were comparable regarding age, gender, body mass index, tumour location and size, TNM staging, and DNA microsatellite instability-high status. No difference between the tattoo (N = 107) and control (N = 143) groups could be detected in the rate of adequate lymphadenectomies performed (78% vs. 79%, p = 0.40). All factors known to influence lymph nodes retrieval from colorectal specimen were specifically evaluated. Rectal and colonic cancers were analysed together and separately. Full adjusted logistic regression analysis in patients who underwent colonic resection showed that right hemicolectomy (OR 4.72; CI95% 1.09-20.36) was the only factor associated to adequate lymphadenectomy. No association between ink tattooing performed preoperatively to mark the site of the tumour and adequate lymphadenectomy after colorectal resection was found with logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that preoperative ink tattooing utilized to mark the site of the tumour does not improve adequate lymphadenectomy and lymph nodes yield from colorectal cancer specimens. Further studies are therefore needed to determine if preoperative colonoscopic tattooing to mark the tumour site can refine staging.

Advanced polypectomy and resection techniques

Most colorectal cancer arises from adenomatous polyps. This gradual process may be interrupted by screening and treatment using colonoscopy and polypectomy. Advances in imaging platforms have led to classification systems that facilitate prediction of histologic type and both stratification for and prediction of the risk of invasion. Endoscopic treatment should be the standard of care even for extensive advanced mucosal neoplasm. Technique selection is influenced by lesion features, location, patient factors, and local expertise. Postprocedural complications are more common following advanced resection and endoscopists should be familiar with risk factors, early detection methods, and management.

Colonoscopic tattoo dye spillage mimics endometriosis on laparoscopy

Rare adverse effects of India ink injection spillage during colonoscopy have been reported. We present a case report in which prior colonoscopic India ink tattooing was found to mimic intraperitoneal endometriosis in a 48 year-old woman undergoing laparoscopic sterilization. Multiple black lesions suspicious for endometriosis involving the anterior and posterior cul-de-sac, left ovary, and omentum were found. A pathological assessment showed peritoneal tissue with focal dark pigment associated with mild chronic inflammation and deposition of tattoo pigment; there was no evidence of endometriosis in the specimens. Surgical recognition of tattoo ink spillage in the peritoneum is very important to prevent misinterpretation of peritoneal findings.

Colon polypectomy: a review of routine and advanced techniques

The value of performing comprehensive screening colonoscopy with complete colon polypectomy is widely accepted. Colon cancer is a significant cause of worldwide mortality and prospective studies have proven that colonoscopic polypectomy reduces both the incidence and mortality related to this disease. Over the past few decades the array of instruments and techniques have greatly expanded to assist with the safe endoscopic removal of colon polyps. This article will review the published literature regarding efficacy and safety of standard polypectomy techniques such as snare polypectomy, electrocautery, and endoscopic mucosal resection along with newer techniques such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and combined laparoscopic techniques.