Advances in surgical techniques for gastric cancer: Indocyanine green and near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Is it ready for prime time?

ICG fluorescence-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy for decision-making in lateral lymph node dissection in local advanced rectal cancer: a retrospective study

Local advanced rectal cancer (LARC) carries high recurrence risks, especially with lateral lymph node (LLN) involvement. This study aims to evaluate the role of ICG-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with clinical negative LLNs (maximum diameter < 7 mm), potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries and associated complications in patients with LARC. A retrospective analysis of 301 consecutive patients with lower LARC who underwent fluorescent lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy (FL-SLNB) or conventional LLND at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between 2018 and 2022 was conducted. Clinical and pathological data were collected, and the patients were grouped into FL-SLNB and non-SLNB groups. Postoperative complications, recurrence rates, and survival outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards models. FL-SLNB (173 patients) showed better perioperative outcomes than non-SLNB (128 patients), with shorter hospital stays (7 vs. 10 days, P = 0.027), less blood loss (150 vs. 180 mL, P = 0.032), and fewer complications: intraoperative bleeding (2.9% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.041), anastomotic leakage (1.7% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.045), and urinary dysfunction (3.5% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.039). No significant differences were observed in survival or recurrence rates (P > 0.05). pN stage was a significant predictor of distant metastasis (HR 1.953, P = 0.037). ICG-guided SLNB enhanced surgical precision and reduced unnecessary LLND in lower LARC with clinically negative LLNs, and improved surgical decision-making and minimizes postoperative complications.

Indocyanine green and near-infrared fluorescence-guided surgery for gastric cancer: a narrative review

In recent years, indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence-guided surgery has become a versatile and well-researched tool for gastric cancer treatment. Our narrative review aims to explore the applications, benefits, and challenges that are associated with this technique. Initially used to detect sentinel lymph nodes in early gastric cancer, its scope has broadened to include several clinical applications. Its most notable advantages are the ability to guide standard lymphadenectomy, intraoperatively localize tumors and define tumor margins. Despite these advantages, there are still ongoing discussions regarding its accuracy, lack of standardized administration, and oncologic safety in sentinel node navigation surgery. The limited tumor specificity of ICG has been especially put into question, hindering its ability to accurately differentiate between malignant and healthy tissue. With ongoing innovations and its integration into newer endoscopic and robotic systems, ICG-NIR fluorescence imaging shows promise in becoming a standard tool in the surgical treatment of gastric cancer.

Sentinel Node Navigation Surgery for Early Gastric Cancer: A Narrative Review

Early gastric cancer (EGC) refers to malignant tumor lesions that are limited to the mucosa and submucosa layers, regardless of the presence of lymph node metastasis. Typically, EGC has a low rate of perigastric lymph node metastasis, and long-term survival outcomes are good after radical surgical treatment. The primary objective of surgical treatment for EGC is to achieve functional preservation while ensuring a radical cure. Sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) is a surgical technique used in the treatment of EGC. This approach achieves functional preservation by limiting lymph node dissection and performing restrictive gastrectomy guided by intraoperative negative sentinel node (SN) biopsy. Despite the apparent improvement in the detection rate of SN with the emergence of various tracing dyes and laparoscopic fluorescence systems, the oncological safety of SNNS remains a controversial research topic. SNNS, as a true form of stomach preservation surgery that enhances the quality of life, has become a topic of interest in the EGC field. In recent years, scholars from Japan and South Korea have conducted extensive research on the feasibility and safety of SNNS in the treatment of EGC. This article aims to provide reference choices for surgeons treating EGC by reviewing relevant research on SNNS for EGC in recent years.