Fluorescent Imaging reduces complications in gallbladder removal

As per a recent meta-analysis published in ‘Surgical Innovation’ journal, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging during cholecystectomy appears as a game-changer in surgical practice offering a myriad of advantages, significantly improving patient outcomes.

In a comprehensive study analyzing data from 14 research papers encompassing 3576 patients, the impact of ICG-assisted imaging on cholecystectomy procedures was assessed.

Patients who underwent surgery with ICG fluorescence imaging experienced a notable reduction in postoperative complications compared to patients in the control group. Specifically, the incidence of complications dropped to 4.78% in the ICG-imaging group, showcasing a substantial improvement over the 7.25% rate observed in the control group. The risk of bile leakage, a common concern post-cholecystectomy, was considerably mitigated among patients who received ICG-assisted imaging. The occurrence of bile leakage dropped to 0.43% in the ICG group, contrasting starkly with the 2.02% rate observed in the control cohort.

A lower incidence of bile duct drainage in patients undergoing surgery with ICG fluorescence imaging was also observed. This reduction, from 31.8% in the control group to 24.8% in the ICG group, underscores the efficacy of the novel technique in enhancing surgical outcomes and minimizing postoperative complications. The occurrence of intraoperative bleeding was notably lower in patients who underwent ICG-assisted imaging.