Real-Time Navigation Guidance Using Fusion Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging in Laparoscopic Non-Anatomical Hepatectomy of Hepatocellular Carcinomas at Segments 6, 7, or 8 (with Videos)

A meta-analysis of the value of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in guiding surgical resection of primary and metastatic liver cancer

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the value of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in precision resection surgery for primary and metastatic liver cancer.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and major scientific websites was conducted until June 2024. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided liver cancer resection with traditional methods were included. The meta-analysis incorporated overall outcomes and subgroup outcomes based on liver cancer types (primary and metastatic). StataSE 12.0 software was used for statistical analysis after a quality assessment of the included studies.

RESULTS

Twenty studies involving 1,283 patients with liver cancer were included. The results showed that indocyanine green fluorescence imaging significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss [Weighted mean difference (WMD), -88.75; 95 % CI, -128.48 to -49.02, p < 0.05], transfusion rate [Odds ratios (OR), 0.5; 95 % CI, 0.36-0.7, p < 0.05], hospital stay duration [WMD, -1.11; 95 % CI, -1.79 to -0.43, p < 0.05], and the overall complication rate [OR, 0.59; 95 % CI, 0.44-0.79, p < 0.05]. However, no significant differences were observed in operative time or in the subgroup analysis for metastatic liver cancer.

CONCLUSION

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging is a safe and effective intraoperative navigation technique that improves surgical outcomes and prognostic indicators in liver cancer resection. However, its efficacy in metastatic liver cancer surgery requires further validation through larger-scale, rigorous, prospective, randomized controlled trials.

Real-Time Navigation in Liver Surgery Through Indocyanine Green Fluorescence: An Updated Analysis of Worldwide Protocols and Applications

BACKGROUND

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence has seen extensive application across medical and surgical fields, praised for its real-time navigation capabilities and low toxicity. Initially employed to assess liver function, ICG fluorescence is now integral to liver surgery, aiding in tumor detection, liver segmentation, and the visualization of bile leaks. This study reviews current protocols and ICG fluorescence applications in liver surgery, with a focus on optimizing timing and dosage based on clinical indications.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed the literature up to 27 January 2024, using PubMed and Medline to identify studies on ICG fluorescence used in liver surgery. A systematic review was performed to evaluate dosage and timing protocols for ICG administration.

RESULTS

Of 1093 initial articles, 140 studies, covering a total of 3739 patients, were included. The studies primarily addressed tumor detection (40%), liver segmentation (34.6%), and both (21.4%). The most common ICG fluorescence dose for tumor detection was 0.5 mg/kg, with administration occurring from days to weeks pre-surgery. Various near-infrared (NIR) camera systems were utilized, with the PINPOINT system most frequently cited. Tumor detection rates averaged 87.4%, with a 10.5% false-positive rate. Additional applications include the detection of bile leaks, lymph nodes, and vascular and biliary structures.

CONCLUSIONS

ICG fluorescence imaging has emerged as a valuable tool in liver surgery, enhancing real-time navigation and improving clinical outcomes. Standardizing protocols could further enhance ICG fluorescence efficacy and reliability, benefitting patient care in hepatic surgeries.

Surgical margin status outcome of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy in liver malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hepatectomy stands as a curative management for liver cancer. The critical factor for minimizing recurrence rate and enhancing overall survival of liver malignancy is to attain a negative margin hepatic resection. Recently, Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been proven implemental in aiding laparoscopic liver resection, enabling real-time tumor identification and precise liver segmentation. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain whether ICG-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy yields a higher incidence of complete tumor eradication (R0) resections.

METHODS

The search encompassed databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library database, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Ovid in April 2024, in strict adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies involving patients with malignant liver lesions who underwent ICG-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy and reported R0 resection outcomes were eligible for inclusion in this review.

RESULTS

In a total of seven studies, involving 598 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. The ICG demonstrated a significantly elevated R0 resection rate compared to the non-ICG group [98.6% (359/364) vs. 93.1% (339/364), odds ratio (OR) = 3.76, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.45-9.51, P = 0.005]. Notably, no heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 0%, P = 0.5). However, the subtype analysis focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma [98.2% (165/168) vs. 93.6% (161/172), OR = 3.34, 95% CI 0.94-11.91, P = 0.06) and the evaluation of margin distance (4.96 ± 2.41 vs. 2.79 ± 1.92 millimeters, weighted mean difference = 1.26, 95% CI -1.8-4.32, P = 0.42) revealed no apparent differences. Additionally, the incidence of overall postoperative complications was comparable between both groups, 27.6% (66/239) in the ICG group and 25.4% (75/295) in the non-ICG group (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.53-1.76, P = 0.9). No disparities were identified in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood transfusion, and length of hospital stay after the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of ICG-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy can be undertaken with confidence, as it does not compromise either intraoperative or postoperative events. Furthermore, the ICG-guided approach is beneficial to achieving a complete eradication of the tumor during hepatic resection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42023446440.

Application of the Left Lateral Decubitus Position in Laparoscopic Right Posterior Lobectomy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of the left lateral decubitus position in laparoscopic right posterior lobe tumor resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical data of patients who underwent laparoscopic right posterior lobectomy from January 2020 to March 2023 were retrospectively collected and divided into group A (left lateral decubitus position group, n=30) and group B (conventional position group, n=35) according to different body positions. Intraoperative and postoperative data were collected and compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The operation time (210.43±57.56 vs. 281.97±65.89, t =5.887, P <0.05), hilar occlusion time (23.97±14.25 vs. 35.79±12.62, t =4.791, P <0.05), intraoperative blood loss (162.14±72.61 vs. 239.65±113.56, t =5.713, P <0.05), postoperative feeding time (1.13±0.36 vs. 1.57±0.67, t =3.681, P <0.05), postoperative visual analog scale score (5.16±0.89 vs. 7.42±1.31, t =3.721, P <0.05), postoperative abdominal drainage tube indwelling time (4.58±1.34 vs. 5.42±1.52, t =4.553, P <0.05), incidence rate of complications (43.33% vs. 82.86%, χ 2 =11.075, P <0.05) in group A were lower than those in group B ( P <0.05). Symptoms/side effects (32.42±3.42 vs. 27.44±3.31, t =4.331, P <0.05), and there were significant differences in social function (33.55±2.56 vs. 29.31±3.32, t =4.863, P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

For right posterior lobe tumors of the liver, the left lateral decubitus position has many advantages in laparoscopic right posterior lobectomy, such as a wide field of view, simple steps, a short operation time, less bleeding, and a high postoperative quality of life. It is an effective treatment for right posterior lobe tumors of the liver and is worthy of being widely popularized.

Safety and effectiveness of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatic tumor: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Previous clinical investigations have reported inconsistent findings regarding the feasibility of utilizing indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICGFI) in laparoscopic liver tumor removal. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ICGFI in laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH).

Methods

A systematic search of pertinent clinical studies published before January 30th, 2023 was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The search strategy encompassed key terms such as "indocyanine green fluorescence," "ICG fluorescence," "laparoscopic hepatectomy," "hepatectomies," "liver Neoplasms," "hepatic cancer," and "liver tumor." Additionally, we scrutinized the reference lists of included articles to identify supplementary studies. we assessed the quality of the incorporated studies and extracted clinical data. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA v.17.0 software. Either a fixed-effects or a random-effects model was employed to compute combined effect sizes, accompanied by 95% confidence intervals (CIs), based on varying levels of heterogeneity.

Results

This meta-analysis encompassed eleven retrospective cohort studies, involving 959 patients in total. Our findings revealed that, in comparison to conventional laparoscopic hepatectomy, patients receiving ICGFI-guided LH exhibited a higher R0 resection rate (OR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.28, 12.25, I2 = 0.00%, P = 0.778) and a diminished incidence of intraoperative blood transfusion (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.81, I 2 = 51.1%, P = 0.056). Additionally, they experienced shorter postoperative hospital stays (WMD: -1.07, 95% CI: -2.00, -0.14, I 2 = 85.1%, P = 0.000). No statistically significant differences emerged between patients receiving ICGFI-guided LH vs. those undergoing conventional LH in terms of minimal margin width and postoperative complications.

Conclusion

ICGFI-guided LH demonstrates marked superiority over conventional laparoscopic liver tumor resection in achieving R0 resection and reducing intraoperative blood transfusion rates. This technique appears to hold substantial promise. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to explore potential long-term benefits associated with patients undergoing ICGFI-guided LH.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD 42023398195.

Indocyanine green fluorescence in gastrointestinal surgery: Appraisal of current evidence

Applying indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in surgery has created a new dimension of navigation surgery to advance in various disciplines. The research in this field is nascent and fragmented, necessitating academic efforts to gain a comprehensive understanding. The present review aims to integrate diverse perspectives and recent advances in its application in gastrointestinal surgery. The relevant articles were selected by using the appropriate keyword search in PubMed. The angiography and cholangiography property of ICG fluorescence is helpful in various hepatobiliary disorders. In gastroesophageal and colorectal surgery, the lymphangiography and angiography property of ICG is applied to evaluate bowel vascularity and guide lymphadenectomy. The lack of objective parameters to assess ICG fluorescence has been the primary limitation when ICG is used to evaluate bowel perfusion. The optimum dose and timing of ICG administration need to be standardized in some new application areas in gastrointestinal surgery. Binding tumor-specific ligands with fluorophores can potentially widen the fluorescence application to detect primary and metastatic gastrointestinal tumors. The narrative review outlines prior contributions, limitations, and research opportunities for future studies across gastrointestinal sub-specialty. The findings of the present review would be helpful for scholars and practitioners to explore and progress in this exciting domain of gastrointestinal surgery.

Correlation Between Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Patterns and Grade of Differentiation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Western Prospective Cohort Study

Background. Most of the available evidence on the use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in clinical practice consists of articles published by surgeons of the Asian-Pacific area. We performed a prospective cohort study to assess the patterns of ICG fluorescence in Western hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) counterparts.Methods. From April 2019 to January 2022, a total of 31 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for superficial HCC were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent laparoscopic staging with both laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) and ICG fluorescence imaging.Results. A total of 38 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) were enrolled: 23 superficial (surfacing at the liver's Glissonian capsule), 5 exophytic, 5 shallow (<8 mm from the hepatic surface) and 5 deep (>10 mm from the hepatic surface). The detection rate with preoperative imaging (abdominal CT/MRI), LUS, ICG fluorescence and combined modalities (ICG and LUS) was 97.4%, 94.9%, 89.7% and 100%, respectively. The five deep seated lesions underwent ultrasound-guided laparoscopic thermal ablation. The other 33 HCCs were treated with minimally invasive liver resection. Intraoperative ultrasound patterns were registered for each single nodule resected. The ICG fluorescence pattern was classified in two types: total fluorescence (all the tumoral tissue showed strong and homogeneous fluorescence), n = 9/33 (27.3%), and non-total fluorescence (partial and rim fluorescence), n = 24/33 (72.7%). There was a statistical correlation between ICG patterns and grade of differentiation. Almost all lesions with uniform fluorescence pattern were well-differentiated HCCs (G1-G2), while partial and rim-type fluorescence pattern were more common among moderately and poorly differentiated HCCs (G3-G4) (88.9% vs 11.1%, 37.5% vs 62.5%, P = .025, respectively).Conclusions. ICG fluorescence imaging could be used to identify early the grade of HCC, ie intraoperatively, thus influencing the intraoperative treatment.

Application of indocyanine green-mediated fluorescence molecular imaging technology in liver tumors resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This meta-analysis was dedicated to evaluating the safety and effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG) -mediated fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) technology in liver tumors resection.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Embase databases, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was performed to identify all clinical controlled studies exploring the effects of fluorescence imaging on liver tumors resection. Quality assessment and data extraction of studies were conducted independently by 3 reviewers. Mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effects or random-effects model. The meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

14 retrospective cohort studies (RCSs) involving a total of 1227 patients were finally included. The results showed that Fluorescence-assisted liver tumors resection could improve the R0 resection rate (OR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.46~4.73, p = 0.001), reduce overall complications (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.44~0.97, p = 0.04), biliary fistula (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.05~0.77, p = 0.02), intraoperative blood loss (MD = -70.76, 95% CI: -106.11 to -35.41; p < 0.0001), and shortens hospital stay (MD = -1.41, 95% CI: -1.90 to -0.92; p < 0.00001). There were no significant differences in the incidences of operative time (MD = -8.68, 95% CI: -18.59 to -1.22; p = 0.09), complications of grade III or above (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.43~1.25, p = 0.26), liver failure (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.39~1.89, p = 0.71), and blood transfusion (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.42~1.03, p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that ICG-mediated FMI technology could enhance the clinical effectiveness of patients with liver tumors resection and is clinically worthy of promotion.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022368387.

Safety and effectiveness of fluorescence laparoscopy in precise hepatectomy: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To perform a systematic review of the safety and effectiveness of fluorescence laparoscopy-guided precise hepatectomy.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to December 1, 2022, using the search terms "indocyanine green," "ICG," "infracyanine green," "laparoscopy," "liver resection," and "hepatectomy." After performing a methodological quality assessment of the included studies, the overall results were subjected to meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

After screening, the meta-analysis included a total of 13 articles. The studies included 1,115 patients who were grouped into the fluorescence laparoscopy (490 patients) and conventional laparoscopy (625 patients) groups. All articles included in the meta-analysis were of high quality. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that compared to the conventional laparoscopy group, the fluorescence laparoscopy group had a higher R0 resection rate (odds ratio=4.03, 95% confidence interval [1.50, 10.83], P = 0.006), lower blood transfusion rate (odds ratio=0.46, 95% confidence interval [0.21, 0.97], P = 0.04) and lower blood loss (mean difference=-36.58; 95% confidence interval [-59.75, -13.41], P = 0.002). However, the length of hospital stay, operative time, and incidence of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between both groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared to conventional laparoscopy, fluorescence laparoscopy provides better application effects in hepatectomy. The surgical procedure has demonstrated good safety and feasibility, which make it worthy of popularization.

A meta-analysis of short-term and long-term effects of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in hepatectomy for liver cancer

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the short-term and long-term effects of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in hepatectomy for liver cancer.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and major scientific websites were screened up to January 2023. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing fluorescence navigation-assisted and fluorescence-free navigation-assisted hepatectomy for liver cancer were included. Our meta-analysis comprises overall results and 2 subgroup analyses based on surgery type (laparoscopy and laparotomy). These estimates are presented as mean differences (MD) or odds ratio (OR) estimates with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

We analyzed 16 studies that included 1260 patients with liver cancer. Our results showed that fluorescent navigation-assisted hepatectomy were significantly more shorter than fluorescence-free navigation-assisted hepatectomy in the following parameters: operative time [MD = -16.19; 95% CI: -32.27 to -0.11; p = 0.050], blood loss [MD = -107.90; 95% CI: -160.46 to -55.35; p < 0.001], blood transfusion [OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.72; p = 0.0002], hospital stay [MD = -1.60; 95% CI: -2.33 to -0.87; p < 0.001], and postoperative complications [OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.82; p = 0.002], The one-year disease-free survival rate [OR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.64 to 5.02; p = 0.0002] was higher in the fluorescent navigation-assisted hepatectomy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging has good clinical value and can improve the short-term and long-term results of hepatectomy for liver cancer.

[Modern possibilities of fluorescent imaging in liver surgery]

The article presents a literature review of modern methods of fluorescent navigation in liver surgery. The technique of tumor «staining», mapping of liver segments, fluorescent cholangiography is covered. The own results of the use of indocyanine green in liver surgery are presented.

Indocyanine Green Fluorescence-Guided Surgery for Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Systematic Review

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of the currently available literature on the use of ICG to guide surgical dissection in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer surgery.

Background

Real-time indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery has the potential to enhance surgical outcomes by increasing patient-tailored oncological precision.

Methods

MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for publications on the use of ICG as a contrast agent in GI cancer surgery until December 2020. Perfusion studies were excluded. Quality of the studies was assessed with the Methodological Index for nonrandomized Studies or Jadad scale for randomized controlled trials. A narrative synthesis of the results was provided, with descriptive statistics when appropriate.

Results

Seventy-eight studies were included. ICG was used for primary tumor and metastases localization, for sentinel lymph node detection, and for lymph flow mapping. The detection rate for primary colorectal and gastric tumors was 100% after preoperative ICG endoscopic injection. For liver lesions, the detection rate after intravenous ICG infusion was 80% and up to 100% for lesions less than 8 mm from the liver surface. The detection rate for sentinel lymph nodes was 89.8% for esophageal, 98.6% for gastric, 87.4% for colorectal, and 83.3% for anal tumors, respectively. In comparative studies, ICG significantly increases the quality of D2 lymphadenectomy in oncological gastrectomy.

Conclusion

The use of ICG as a guiding tool for dissection in GI surgery is promising. Further evidence from high-quality studies on larger sample sizes is needed to assess whether ICG-guided surgery may become standard of care.

Indocyanine green fluorescence-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy versus conventional laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A single-center propensity score matching study

Background

Indocyanine green fluorescence-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy (ICG-guided LH) is increasingly used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether ICG-guided LH can improve surgical outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the short-term outcomes and survival outcomes of ICG-guided LH versus common laparoscopic hepatectomy (CLH) for HCC.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 104 ICG-guided LH and 158 CLH patients from 2014 to 2020 at our center. To avoid selection bias, 81 ICG-guided LH and 81 CLH cases were analyzed after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). The baseline data and results were compared between the two groups.

Results

The baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable after matching. There was a significant difference in operative time: longer in the ICG-guided LH group than in the CLH group (p=0.004). However, there was no significant difference in operative time in anatomical resection between the two groups (p=0.987). There was a significant difference in operative time in non-anatomical resection: longer in the ICG-guided LH group than in the CLH group (p=0.001). There were no significant differences in positive surgery margin, blood loss, blood transfusion rate, postoperative complication rate, postoperative length of hospital stay, mortality within 30 days, and mortality within 90 days. The ICG-guided LH group appeared to have a trend towards better overall survival (OS), but there was no significant difference in OS (P=0.168) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P=0.322) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Although ICG fluorescence-guided LH is a timelier procedure to perform, it is a safe and effective technique with the advantages of intraoperative positioning, low postoperative complication rates, and potential to improve OS.

Navigated liver surgery: State of the art and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the development of digital imaging technology has had a significant influence in liver surgery. The ability to obtain a 3-dimensional (3D) visualization of the liver anatomy has provided surgery with virtual reality of simulation 3D computer models, 3D printing models and more recently holograms and augmented reality (when virtual reality knowledge is superimposed onto reality). In addition, the utilization of real-time fluorescent imaging techniques based on indocyanine green (ICG) uptake allows clinicians to precisely delineate the liver anatomy and/or tumors within the parenchyma, applying the knowledge obtained preoperatively through digital imaging. The combination of both has transformed the abstract thinking until now based on 2D imaging into a 3D preoperative conception (virtual reality), enhanced with real-time visualization of the fluorescent liver structures, effectively facilitating intraoperative navigated liver surgery (augmented reality).

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was performed from inception until January 2021 in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane library and database for systematic reviews (CDSR), Google Scholar, and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) databases.

RESULTS

Fifty-one pertinent articles were retrieved and included. The different types of digital imaging technologies and the real-time navigated liver surgery were estimated and compared.

CONCLUSIONS

ICG fluorescent imaging techniques can contribute essentially to the real-time definition of liver segments; as a result, precise hepatic resection can be guided by the presence of fluorescence. Furthermore, 3D models can help essentially to further advancing of precision in hepatic surgery by permitting estimation of liver volume and functional liver remnant, delineation of resection lines along the liver segments and evaluation of tumor margins. In liver transplantation and especially in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), 3D printed models of the donor's liver and models of the recipient's hilar anatomy can contribute further to improving the results. In particular, pediatric LDLT abdominal cavity models can help to manage the largest challenge of this procedure, namely large-for-size syndrome.

Application Effect of ICG Fluorescence Real-Time Imaging Technology in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence real-time imaging-guided technology in laparoscopic hepatectomy. A retrospective analysis of patients with primary liver cancer in the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC from January 2018 to October 2021, including 48 cases of fluorescence-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy (FGLH) and 60 cases of traditional laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH), was conducted. R0 resection rate, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, hospital stay, and other intraoperative and postoperative indicators of the two groups were analyzed to determine the clinical feasibility and safety of ICG fluorescence real-time imaging-guided technology in laparoscopic hepatectomy. Related databases were searched for retrospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials comparing FGLH with LH, studies were screened according to preset inclusion and exclusion criteria, literature quality was evaluated, and data were extracted. RevMan 5.3 software was used to conduct a meta-analysis on the extracted data. The results of our clinical data and meta-analysis showed that compared with LH, FGLH increased the R0 resection rate, shortened the operation time and postoperative hospital stay, and reduced blood loss and the occurrence of postoperative complications. Compared with LH, FGLH has a better application effect in laparoscopic hepatectomy, and it is worthy of promotion as it is safe and feasible.

Determination of surgical margins in laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy of neuroendocrine tumors liver metastases using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of heterogenous tumors originating from neuroendocrine system. Approximately, 40 percent will go through liver metastases, and liver-directed therapy was proved to improve the survival outcome. Parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy is advocated for the resection of NETs liver metastases while the possible relatively low negative margin rate is concerned. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging provides a real-time navigation on determination of surgical margins in colorectal cancer liver metastases. However, there was no previous study that reported the applications of ICG fluorescence imaging in NETs liver metastases. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and security of using ICG fluorescence imaging to determine surgical margins of NETs liver metastases during operation.

METHODS

A retrospective two-arm cohort study was performed on 25 consecutive patients with NETs liver metastases who underwent laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy (LPSH). Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not the ICG fluorescence imaging was used. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, pathology results, and surgical outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 145 tumors pathologically diagnosed with NETs liver metastases were resected from 25 patients. The pathological results indicated negative margins in all tumors (102/102) in LPSH with ICG fluorescence imaging group. The negative margin rate was significantly higher in LPSH using the ICG fluorescence imaging (100% v.s 88.4%, p = 0.002). Surgical outcomes, including operation time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative transfusion rate, and postoperative morbidity, were comparable between LPSH with and without ICG fluorescence imaging groups.

CONCLUSION

ICG fluorescence imaging showed the potential to identify tumor boundaries and determine surgical margins. This technique may serve as a valuable intraoperative navigation in patients with NETs liver metastases.

Landmarks to identify segmental borders of the liver: A review prepared for PAM-HBP expert consensus meeting 2021

BACKGROUND

In preparation for the upcoming consensus meeting in Tokyo in 2021, this systematic review aimed to analyze the current available evidence regarding surgical anatomy of the liver, focusing on useful landmarks, strategies and technical tools to perform precise anatomic liver resection (ALR).

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed for English articles and on Ichushi database for Japanese articles until September 2020. The quality assessment of the articles was performed in accordance with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).

RESULTS

A total of 3169 manuscripts were obtained, 1993 in English and 1176 in Japanese literature. Subsequently, 63 English and 20 Japanese articles were selected and reviewed. The quality assessment of comparative series and case series was revealed to be usually low; only six articles were qualified as high quality. Forty-two articles focused on analyzing intersegmental/sectional planes and their relationship with specific hepatic landmark veins. In 12 articles, the authors aimed to investigate liver surface anatomic structures, while 36 articles aimed to study technological tools and contrast agents for surgical segmentation during ALR. Although Couinaud's classification has remained the cornerstone in daily diagnostic/surgical practices, it does not always portray the realistic liver segmentation and there has been no standardization on which a single strategy should be followed to perform precise ALR.

CONCLUSIONS

A global consensus should be pursued in order to establish clear guidelines and proper recommendations to perform ALR in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

Does application of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging enhance clinical outcomes in liver resection? A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology has been widely used in liver resection. However, there has been a lack of strong evidence on whether application of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging enhances clinical outcomes in liver resection. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the latest clinical results of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided hepatectomy (FIGH) and conventional hepatectomy (CH) in liver diseases.

METHODS

Relevant clinical studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline and the Web of Science databases until June 21, 2021. Stata14.0 software was adopted in meta-analysis, in which the pooled effect size was calculated by the random-effects model or the fixed-effects model. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to explore sources of heterogeneity. The publication bias was ascertained by egger's test and begg's test. The trim and fill method was used to adjust the occurrence of publication bias.

RESULTS

Overall twelve studies comprising 931 patients were included. Compared to the CH group, the FIGH group has lower complications (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.5238; 95% CI = 0.351-0.780; P = 0.001), shorter hospital stays (WMD = -1.857; 95% CI = -2.806--0.908; P = 0.000). Six of the studies indicated that no perioperative mortality occurred in either group. In overall analysis, there was no statistical difference in the estimated blood loss between the two groups (WMD = -42.509; 95% CI = -87.842 -2.825; P = 0.066), while in subgroup analysis of only literature from Japan or published between 2018 and 2019 years showed the consistent results above (WMD = 5.613; 95% CI = -45.101-56.328; P = 0.828. WMD = 5.582; 95% CI = -34.597-45.762; P = 0.785). No significant differences were found in operative time, blood transfusion rate, R0 resection, 1-year recurrence rate, 2-year-recurrence rate and the 1-year overall survival rate (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed that during the liver resection operation, application of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging is a feasible and safe method in the treatment of liver diseases, which enhances some clinical outcomes, such as lower complications and shorter hospital stays.

Fluorescence and Ultrasound-guided Laparoscopic Resection of Caudate Lobe for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Located in the Retrocaval Portion

BACKGROUND

Contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasonography (CEIOUS) and indocyanine green fluorescence were interesting tool for the visualization of intrahepatic neoplastic nodules. The combinations of the 2 technologies could increase tumor detection and the radicality of resection, allowing the use of a pure laparoscopic approach.

METHODS

The patient was an 81-year-old man with a history of hypertension and treated hepatitis C infection, with a sustained serological response from 2018, previously undergoing laparotomic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in segment 8.During his regular hepatological follow-up, a 25 mm nodule was detected in segment 1, in a retrocaval position. Considering clinical presentation, good liver function (Child A5-MELD 8) and imaging, pure laparoscopic resection of the caudate lobe was performed using fluorescence imaging and CEIOUS navigation guidance.

RESULTS

The operation last for 205 minutes. Blood loss was 100 mL and no blood transfusion was required. She resumed diet on the next day and was discharged 4 days after the operation. Histopathologic examination showed 27 mm HCC with a clear margin. Contrast computed tomography scan performed 3 months after the operation showed no recurrence of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

A laparoscopic isolated caudate resection for HCC located in the retrocaval portion of the cirrhotic liver seems to be feasible in selected patients and fluorescence imaging and CEIOUS navigation guidance could guarantee a safe and successful surgery.

Meta-analysis of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis was conducted to systematically evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted of the literature on ICG fluorescence imaging-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy in randomized, semi-randomized controlled trials and observational studies. The found publications and conference papers in English were manually searched and the references included in the literature were traced. The retrieval period was up to February 2021. After evaluating the quality of the included studies, the meta-analysis was conducted using the STATA 15.1 software.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 6 studies comprising 417 patients with liver disease. The meta-results showed that compared to the control group, ICG fluorescence imaging-guided laparoscopic hepatectomy can significantly shorten the operative time [weighted mean differences (WMD) = -20.81, 95% CI, -28.02--13.59, p = 0.000], reduce intraoperative bleeding  [WMD = -108.16, 95% CI, -127.88--88.44, p = 0.000], shorten hospital stay  [WMD= -1.23,95% CI, -1.50--0.95, p = 0.000], and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications  [OR = 0.49,95% CI, 0.26-0.91, p = 0.025]. There were no differences in blood transfusion, hilar occlusion time, and surgical margin.

CONCLUSION

The application of ICG fluorescence imaging technology in laparoscopic hepatectomy can effectively reduce the operative time, blood loss, hospital stay and the incidence of postoperative complications. However, more multicenter large-sample randomized controlled trials are needed to further confirm its advantages.

A narrative review of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatectomy is a main therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which requires removal of primary and disseminated tumors and maximum preservation of normal liver tissue. However, in a clinical operation, it is difficult to recognize the tumor tissue and its boundary with the naked eye and palpation, which often leads to insufficient or excessive resection. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, a non-invasive, real-time, low-cost, and highly sensitive imaging technique has been extensively studied in surgical navigation. With the development of fluorescence imaging system and fluorescent probe, intraoperative tumor detection and margin definition can be achieved, making the operation more accurate. Advances in fluorescence imaging of HCC in the NIR region have focused on the traditional first NIR window (NIR-I, 700–900 nm), and have recently been extended to the second NIR window (NIR-II, 1,000–1,700 nm). Compared with NIR-I imaging, fluorescence imaging in the NIR-II exhibits great advantages, including higher spatial resolution, deeper penetration depth, and lower optical absorption and scattering from biological substrates with minimal tissue autofluorescence. There is no doubt that developing novel NIRF probes for in vivo imaging of HCC has high significance and direct impact on the field of liver surgery. In this article, the development of various NIRF probes for fluorescence image guided HCC hepatectomy is reviewed, and current challenges and potential opportunities of these imaging probes are discussed.

Precise right hemihepatectomy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma guided by fusion ICG fluorescence imaging

To evaluate the clinical significance of fusion indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging in precise right hemihepatectomy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 47 patients with HCC who underwent right hemihepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. 18 of them guided by fusion ICG fluorescence imaging (FIGFI) while 29 patients underwent conventional right hepatectomy without guidance. Compared to the patients with conventional treatment, the intraoperative blood loss of the patients with guided surgery was significantly less, and no transfusion and hepatic occlusion were performed during the operation. Liver function recovery faster in guided group. The incidence of postoperative complications is also lower, and the recurrence rate in one year is significantly reduced. ICG fluorescence range of 18 patients in liver surface was consistent with the ischemic line, and their postoperative liver cross-sections were clearly demarcation. There were no significant differences in the mean operation time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stays, cases of blood transfusion, complication rate, or postoperative peak volume of ALT and TB between positive or negative staining groups. Pathology results of all patients demonstrated HCC and negative margins, and microvascular invasion occurred in 8 cases. The average follow-up time of 18 patients was 16.7 months, and recurrence was found in 5 cases after surgery. FIGFI could guide the anatomical right hepatectomy with real -time increased radical rate, accuracy and safety for the treatment of HCC, and therefore showed a promising prospect.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver metastasis of lung large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Lung large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is an aggressive and a rare type of lung cancer, and the prognosis of LCNEC with distant metastasis is extremely poor, with a five-year survival rate of 0%. Here, we report a case of laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver metastasis of lung LCNEC.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 63-year-old man received a routine physical examination, and abnormal chest radiographic findings were observed; chest computed tomography (CT) in our hospital revealed that the patient had left pneumothorax and a lesion measuring 18 mm in the inferior lingular segment of the lung. The patient underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy, and the final pathological diagnosis was lung LCNEC. Four years after surgery, abdominal CT revealed a mass measuring 27 mm in the liver. The patient underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy, and postoperative pathological examination showed liver metastasis of LCNEC. There was no sign of recurrence 6 months after hepatectomy.

DISCUSSION

LCNEC with distant metastasis has a poor response to systemic chemotherapy, and the median survival time of patients with distant metastasis is estimated to be approximately 6 months, with a five-year survival rate of 0%. Although the common site of metastasis from LCNEC is the liver, there are no previous reports of hepatectomy for liver metastasis of LCNEC.

CONCLUSION

We report a case of laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver metastasis of lung LCNEC. It is suggested that surgical resection for solitary distant metastasis of LCNEC may improve prognosis.

Effectiveness and safety of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided hepatectomy for liver tumors: A systematic review and first meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided hepatectomy(FIGH) for liver tumors.

METHODS

Clinical studies were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline and Web of Science electronic databases. Primary outcomes included operative time, blood loss, blood transfusion, hospital stay, R0 resection, postoperative complications, postoperative mortality and 1-year recurrence rate. Study-specific effect sizes and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to calculate the pooled value using a fixed-effects or random-effects model.

RESULTS

Six studies comprising 587 patients were included. Major operative time (mean difference [MD] = -55.45; 95% CI = -78.85- -32.05), blood loss (MD = 12.99; 95% CI = 12.00-13.97), hospital stay (rate difference [RD] = -12.61; 95% CI = -15.06- -10.17), and postoperative complications (RD = -0.07; 95% CI = -0.12- -0.01) were all less in the FIGH group than in the traditional hepatectomy(TH) group. No differences were found in blood transfusion, R0 resection or 1-year recurrence rate. No perioperative mortality was observed in either group.

CONCLUSION

Based on current evidence, applying indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology to accurately diagnose and treat liver tumors can effectively reduce operative time, blood loss, hospital stay and postoperative complications.