First Experience on Laparoscopic Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Hepatic Uveal Melanoma Metastases Using Indocyanine Green

Abstract

Background. Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults, and up to 50% of patients will develop liver metastases. Complete surgical resection of these metastases can improve 5-year survival, but only a few patients are eligible for radical surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to introduce a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence laparoscope during minimally invasive surgery for intraoperative identification of uveal melanoma hepatic metastases and to use it to provide guidance during resection. Methods. Three patients diagnosed with one solitary liver metastasis from uveal melanoma are presented. Patients received 10 mg indocyanine green (ICG) intravenously 24 hours before surgery. A NIR fluorescence laparoscope was used to detect malignant liver lesions. Results. In all 3 patients, laparoscopic NIR fluorescence imaging using ICG successfully identified uveal melanoma metastases. In 2 patients, multiple additional lesions were identified by inspection and NIR fluorescence imaging, which were not identified by preoperative conventional imaging. In one patient, one additional lesion, not identified by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, laparoscopic ultrasonography, and inspection, was observed with NIR fluorescence imaging only. Importantly, NIR fluorescence imaging provided guidance during resection of these metastases. Conclusions. We describe the successful use of laparoscopic identification and resection of uveal melanoma liver metastases using NIR fluorescence imaging and ICG. This procedure is minimally invasive and should be used as complementary to conventional techniques for the detection and resection of liver metastases.