Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye that has gained prominence as a valuable tool in various surgical disciplines. ICG is a water-soluble, tricarbocyanine dye that exhibits fluorescent properties when exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light. It is commonly employed in various medical fields due to its excellent safety profile, low toxicity, and its ability to bind to plasma proteins. ICG is primarily excreted through the liver and biliary system, allowing for visualization and tracking of the dye through the vasculature and biliary tract. In recent years, ICG has found a crucial role in colorectal surgery, revolutionizing the way surgeons approach this challenging field.
APPLICATIONS OF ICG IN COLORECTAL SURGERY:
Assessment of Blood Perfusion: ICG angiography is a valuable tool for assessing blood perfusion in colorectal surgery. By injecting ICG, surgeons can visualize blood flow to the intestinal tissue in real-time, helping them identify areas with compromised perfusion. This information aids in the prevention of anastomotic leaks and tissue ischemia, reducing the risk of postoperative complications.
Lymph Node Mapping: Colorectal cancer surgery often involves lymphadenectomy, the removal of lymph nodes for staging and treatment purposes. ICG can be used to visualize lymphatic drainage and facilitate accurate lymph node mapping, ensuring thorough resection of cancerous tissues while preserving vital structures.
Visualization of Anastomotic Leaks: ICG can be employed to detect anastomotic leaks during colorectal surgery by visualizing the presence of the dye in the abdominal cavity. This allows for the early identification of complications, enabling prompt intervention and potentially reducing the severity of adverse outcomes.
BENEFITS OF ICG IN COLORECTAL SURGERY:
Enhanced Intraoperative Decision-Making: ICG provides real-time information, enabling surgeons to make informed decisions during surgery. This leads to a more precise and tailored approach, reducing the likelihood of complications.
Improved Patient Safety: ICG’s safety profile and non-invasive nature make it a reliable tool with minimal risk to patients. It reduces the likelihood of complications, such as anastomotic leaks, thereby enhancing patient safety.
Cost-Efficiency: By preventing postoperative complications and the need for reoperations, ICG can ultimately reduce healthcare costs associated with colorectal surgery.
In conclusion, Indocyanine green has emerged as a valuable adjunct in colorectal surgery, offering surgeons a powerful tool to enhance intraoperative decision-making, improve patient safety, and potentially reduce complications. As technology and expertise in the field continue to advance, ICG is likely to play an increasingly significant role in the evolution of colorectal surgery, ultimately benefitting patients and the medical community as a whole.