Real-Time Fluorescence Vessel Navigation Using Indocyanine Green During Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery

The introduction of fluoroscopic surgery: A report of an initial trial case

INTRODUCTION

Switching from white light to fluorescence mode is necessary to confirm the fluorescence during fluorescence-guided surgery. This case report presents the use of a syringe pump to continuously inject indocyanine green (ICG), which enabled the vessels to be visualised and the operation to be performed without switching.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

An Asian male patient in his 40s underwent an interval appendectomy following conservative treatment for appendicitis. Laparoscopic surgery was performed using the VISIONSENSE® system. Diluted ICG (25 mg/15 mL) was intravenously administered at 1 mL/min. The appendiceal artery was visualised in light green, and the intensity of the visualisation was defined relative to the tissue surrounding the dissected appendiceal artery. The superior rectal artery and the vessels within the mesentery of the small intestine were confirmed to be continuously visualised throughout the surgery. Therefore, continuous ICG angiography made it possible to operate while keeping the appendiceal artery visible in this case.

DISCUSSION

ICG angiography enabled the operation to be performed with the appendiceal artery continuously visualised. This method was developed for use in cancer surgery; however, since operations of longer duration are speculated to require larger doses of ICG, we opted to introduce this method in an initial trial for appendectomy.

CONCLUSION

The fluoroscopic surgery using a syringe pump was feasible in this first case report without switching to white light mode.

Intraoperative Tumor Identification During Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: a Novel Fluorescent Clip Marking Versus Metal Clip Marking and Intraoperative Gastroscope

BACKGROUND

In complete laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, the gastric resection line is difficult to determine due to a lack of tactile sensation. The use of intraoperative gastroscopy and intraoperative radiography has been reported, but the burden on personnel and technical complexity present impediments. In our department, based on lesion extent determined with preoperative gastroscopy, a fluorescent clip is used to mark the oral side of the lesion, which is resected after confirmation with a fluorescent laparoscopic system. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of fluorescent clip marking (FCM) in achieving an accurate resection line and reducing the operative time.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients with gastric cancer who underwent complete laparoscopic distal gastrectomy from January 2018 to March 2021 were divided into two groups: the FCM group (n = 32) and the conventional metal clip marking and intraoperative gastroscopy (MCMG) group (n = 24). Short-term outcomes, including the resection margins, gastric resection time, and operative time, were compared and examined.

RESULTS

The fluorescent clips were visible in all cases, and all stumps were negative according to permanent preparations. The operative times for FCM and MCMG were 350 (216-533) vs. 373.5 (258-651) min, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.316), while the gastric resection times were 636.5 (321-2572) vs. 1457.5 (843-4973) s, respectively, and were significantly shorter in the FCM group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

FCM shortened the gastric resection time and could possibly shorten the operative time. FCM is feasible and safe and can potentially be used as a tumor-marking agent to determine accurate surgical resection lines.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Examination of Gastric Cancer, Research Ethics Committee of the Kawaguchi Municipal Medical Centre (Saitama, Japan), approval number: 2019-33. https://kawaguchi-mmc.org/wp-content/uploads/clinicalresearch-r02.pdf.

Evaluating gastric remnant ischemia by indocyanine green fluorescence-guided surgery after distal gastrectomy in a patient with prior Nissen fundoplication: A case report

Introduction

Recent studies showed that intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging-guided surgery helped evaluate organ perfusion. Whereas whether the gastric remnant can be preserved after distal gastrectomy for the cases of post-Nissen fundoplication remains unclarified. This case report demonstrated the applicability of intraoperative ICG fluorescence-guided surgery to assess the gastric remnant's blood supply after distal gastrectomy.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man who previously underwent Nissen fundoplication for esophageal hiatal hernia was diagnosed with early gastric cancer in the lower body of the stomach. We performed laparoscopic distal gastrectomy to preserve the left gastroepiploic vessels considering the dissection of a part of the short gastric vessel from the previous Nissen fundoplication. After completing Billroth I reconstruction, the color of the serosal surface did not show any signs of ischemia. However, intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed an ischemic change of the remnant stomach. In addition, ICG fluorography revealed insufficient blood supply to the gastric remnant compared with that to the pancreas and liver. Consequently, we converted to total gastrectomy to avoid necrosis in the gastric remnant.

Conclusion

We performed intraoperative ICG fluorescence-guided surgery in patients with early gastric cancer after Nissen fundoplication. ICG fluorescence may be useful in preventing postoperative gastric remnant ischemia, especially in high-risk patients.

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Intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery provides appreciable visualization of organ perfusion.

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The usefulness of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery in gastric cancer remains less explored.

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This case report demonstrated the applicability of intraoperative ICG fluorescence-guided surgery to assess the gastric remnant’s blood supply after distal gastrectomy after Nissen fundoplication.

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

BACKGROUND/AIM

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

PATIENTS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Fluorescence vessel and ureter navigation during laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection

BACKGROUND

Lateral lymph node metastasis in lower rectal cancer is considered a local disease in Japan, and guidelines suggest lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). However, laparoscopic procedures are relatively difficult. The ureter and hypogastric fascia must be dissected from the vesicohypogastric fascia to preserve the autonomic nerve and ureter. Additionally, lymph node dissection around the internal iliac artery is complex because many patterns of branching from the internal iliac artery exist. We investigated the utility of fluorescence ureter and vessel navigation using a near-infrared ray fluorescent ureteral catheter (NIRFUC) and indocyanine green (ICG).

METHODS

Fourteen patients who underwent laparoscopic LLND using fluorescence navigation were included. Eleven patients had rectal cancer, 1 had anal cancer, and 2 exhibited recurrence of rectal cancer. Eleven patients underwent NIRFUC insertion before surgery. Fluorescence vessel navigation (FVN) was performed with intraoperative ICG injections in 14 patients, with a total of 18 sides. The outcome measures were ureter navigation visibility, detection of the branch form from the internal iliac artery with FVN, differences between the fluorescence findings and anatomy of the internal iliac artery determined after LLND, and the surgical outcome.

RESULTS

In all 11 patients, the ureters were clearly identified as fluorescent before dissection around the ureter. FVN revealed the internal iliac, umbilical, and superior vesical arteries in all patients. The branch from the internal iliac artery according to the Adachi classification was revealed on 16 sides (89%). The time from intravenous ICG injection to fluorescence of the internal iliac artery was 38 (17-57) s. The time from intravenous injection to when the vessels were observed as fluorescent was 113 (65-661) s. No ureteral or vessel injuries occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluorescence navigation of vessels and the ureter is feasible in laparoscopic LLND and has the potential to increase safety.

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.

Ureteral navigation using a fluorescent ureteral catheter during laparoscopic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Ureteral injury is the most common urological complication of pelvic surgery, with a reported incidence during colon resection of 0.3-1.5%. Ureteral stenting is commonly performed preoperatively to prevent ureteral injury. Because tactile sensation is not reliable during laparoscopic surgery, the effect of the ureteral stent is considered limited. Recently, fluorescence imaging has been used in laparoscopic surgery. The Near-Infrared Ray Catheter (NIRC™) fluorescent ureteral catheter (NIRFUC) is a new catheter with built-in NIR fluorescent resin. This pilot study was performed to evaluate the utility of fluorescence ureteral navigation using the NIRFUC during laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODS

We evaluated the intraoperative utility of the NIRFUC and the short-term outcomes in 20 patients treated with colorectal surgery at Kawaguchi Municipal Medical Center between February and July 2020. In all, 18 patients with malignant tumors and 2 patients with benign disease, i.e., a sigmoid colovesical fistula, were included. Ten patients developed preoperative intestinal obstruction. One patient experienced preoperative perforation. Nine patients developed preoperative peritumoral abscesses. Laparoscopic surgery was performed with the VISERA ELITE2 system.

RESULTS

In all cases, the ureters were very clearly identified as fluorescent without the need for dissection. In all cases, only a moment was required to identify the ureter by fluorescence observation. In all cases, R0 resection was performed. The mean surgical duration was 334 min (161-1014), the mean blood loss was 10 ml (1-500), and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 11 days (8-47). There were no cases of ureteral injury.

CONCLUSION

The NIRFUC was very clearly identified as fluorescent in a moment during surgery without dissection around the ureter. Fluorescence ureteral navigation using the NIRFUC may make colorectal surgery easier and facilitate completion of complex minimally invasive surgery, especially during surgery in patients with invasion of the surrounding tissue or a history of pelvic surgery or radiation.

Fluorescence imaging in colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Fluorescent imaging is an emerging technological tool that can guide surgeons during surgery by highlighting anatomical structures and pathology, and help with intraoperative decision making.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of published literature was performed using the search terms "fluorescence", "imaging" and "colorectal surgery" in PubMed. Only clinical trials that were published in English were included in this review. Ex vivo and animal studies were excluded.

RESULTS

This review demonstrates the use of fluorescence imaging in colorectal surgery in four areas: (1) assessment of tissue perfusion and vasculature; (2) assessment of tumour; (3) lymphatic drainage and (4) identification of the urinary tract. The most commonly used fluorescent dyes are nonspecific, such as indocyanine green and methylene blue, but there is increasing interest in the development of specific fluorescently labelled molecular markers.

CONCLUSION

Fluorescence imaging is a potentially useful tool for colorectal surgery. Early studies on fluorescence imaging have been promising but larger scale randomised controlled trials are warranted to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of using fluorescence imaging routinely. The development of molecular dyes that are specific to targets could significantly increase the potential use of fluorescence imaging during surgery.

Intraoperative and postoperative complications in colorectal procedures: the role of continuous updating in medicine

Accepting surgical complications, especially those related to the learning curve, as unavoidable events in colorectal procedures, is like accepting to fly onboard an aircraft with a 10 to 20% chance of not arriving at final destination. Under this condition, it is very likely that the aviation industry and the concurrent reshaping of the world and of our lives would have not been possible in the absence of high reliability and reproducibility of safe flights. It's hard to imagine surgery without any intraoperative and/or postoperative complications. Nevertheless, there is a plenty of room for improvement by simply adopting what has been explicitly and scientifically demonstrated; training outside of the OR, usage of modern information technologies and application of evidence-based perioperative care protocols. Additionally, the possibility to objectively measure and monitor the technical and even non-technical skills and competencies of individual surgeons and even of OR teams through the application of structured and validated assessment tools can finally put an end to the self-referential, purely hierarchical, and indeed extremely unreliable process of being authorized or not to perform operations on patients. Last but not least, a wide range of new technologies spanning from augmented imaging modalities, virtual reality for intraoperative guidance, improved robotic manipulators, artificial intelligence to assist in preoperative patient specific risk assessment, and intraoperative decision-making has the potential to tackle several hidden roots of surgical complications.

Persistent Descending Mesocolon as a Key Risk Factor in Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery

BACKGROUND

Persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) is a rare colonic anatomical variant. However, PDM's impact on the technical aspects and outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection are unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective clinical cohort study was conducted at a high-volume cancer center in Japan to evaluate intra- and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery in patients with (PDM+) or without (PDM-) PDM over the past 7 years.

RESULTS

Between January 2012 and September 2019, 2,775 patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection at our center, including 60 (2.1%) cases of PDM. Preoperative detection was achieved in only 5 patients (8.3%), 39 patients were men, and 21 patients were women. The average age was 67 years. Twenty patients had a history of prior abdominal surgery (33.3%), with little or no subsequent adhesions. The average duration of sigmoidectomy in PDM+ patients (n=17; 217.7±14.2 min) was significantly longer than that in PDM- patients (n=547; 176.2±2.4 min; p=0.003), as was average blood loss (32.3±10.6 ml vs. 16.7±2.8 ml; p=0.03). Likewise, average operative time for high anterior resection in PDM+ patients (n=11; 227.1±20.2 min) was significantly longer than that in PDM- patients (n=294; 195.6±3.0 min; p=0.048). Rates of postoperative anastomotic leakage and postoperative recurrence did not differ in both groups. In PDM+ patients, retention of left colic artery had no impact on proximal specimen margins or occurrences of anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSION

PDM prolongs operative times and increases bleeding in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery and should be considered a risk factor when encountered.