Fluorescent Cholangiography in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Updated Canadian Experience

Abstract

Background. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most common general surgery procedures in Canada with approximately 100 000 cases performed per year. Bile duct injury remains a morbid complication with an incidence rate of 0.3% to 0.5%. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent cholangiography is a noninvasive technology aiding in real-time identification of biliary structures for safe dissection within Calot’s triangle. The objectives were to provide an update to our initial experience with ICG aiding in the identification of biliary structures and ensuring that no adverse patient reactions occurred with ICG administration. Methods. Prospective case series from 2016 to 2018 for elective LC with ICG technology performed at a single academic teaching institution. Patient demographics, indications for operation, biliary structures visualized, amount of ICG used, operative times, and complications were recorded. Results. One hundred eight cases were included for review. The cystic duct, common hepatic duct, and common bile duct were identified with ICG in 90%, 48%, and 84% of cases, respectively. ICG simultaneously visualized at least 2 of 3 biliary structures 83.4% of the time. Only 1 biliary structure was identified in 10% of cases. No biliary structures were identified in 6% of cases. Mean initial ICG dose given was 1.65 mL. No adverse patient reactions to ICG were noted. Conclusions. This updated series illustrates that administration of ICG enhances visualization of the biliary system during outpatient LC. ICG is safe and its application should be further studied in early LC for acute cholecystitis.