TY - JOUR
T1 - Fluorescence Ureteral Visualization in Human Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Using Methylene Blue
AU - Al-Taher, Mahdi
AU - van den Bos, Jacqueline
AU - Schols, Rutger M.
AU - Bouvy, Nicole D.
AU - Stassen, Laurents P. S.
PY - 2016/11
Y1 - 2016/11
N2 - Background: Ureteral injury during laparoscopic surgery is rare, but when it occurs, it can be a serious problem. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) with methylene blue (MB) administration is a promising technique for easier and potentially earlier intraoperative visualization of the ureter. Aim of this prospective study was to assess the feasibility of NIRF imaging of the ureter during laparoscopic colorectal surgery, using MB. Methods: Patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery were included and received intravenous injection of MB preoperatively. The ureter was visualized using a laparoscope, which offered both conventional and fluorescence imaging. Intraoperative recognition of the ureter was registered. The precision of ureter distinction with MB imaging was compared to the conventional laparoscopic view. Results: Ten patients were included. All procedures were initially performed using a laparoscopic approach. Dose per injection ranged between 0.125 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg bodyweight. There were no adverse effects attributable to MB administration. The ureter was successfully detected in five patients, with highest contrast between ureter and surrounding tissue at an administered dose of 0.75-1.0 mg/kg. The fluorescent signal was only picked up after the ureter was already visible in the conventional white light mode. Conclusion: Ureteral fluorescence imaging using MB proved to be safe and feasible. However, the present technique does not provide practical advantage over conventional laparoscopic imaging for identification of the ureter during laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Future research is necessary to explore more extensive dose finding, alternative fluorescent dyes, or improvement of the imaging system to make this application clinically beneficial.
AB - Background: Ureteral injury during laparoscopic surgery is rare, but when it occurs, it can be a serious problem. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) with methylene blue (MB) administration is a promising technique for easier and potentially earlier intraoperative visualization of the ureter. Aim of this prospective study was to assess the feasibility of NIRF imaging of the ureter during laparoscopic colorectal surgery, using MB. Methods: Patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery were included and received intravenous injection of MB preoperatively. The ureter was visualized using a laparoscope, which offered both conventional and fluorescence imaging. Intraoperative recognition of the ureter was registered. The precision of ureter distinction with MB imaging was compared to the conventional laparoscopic view. Results: Ten patients were included. All procedures were initially performed using a laparoscopic approach. Dose per injection ranged between 0.125 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg bodyweight. There were no adverse effects attributable to MB administration. The ureter was successfully detected in five patients, with highest contrast between ureter and surrounding tissue at an administered dose of 0.75-1.0 mg/kg. The fluorescent signal was only picked up after the ureter was already visible in the conventional white light mode. Conclusion: Ureteral fluorescence imaging using MB proved to be safe and feasible. However, the present technique does not provide practical advantage over conventional laparoscopic imaging for identification of the ureter during laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Future research is necessary to explore more extensive dose finding, alternative fluorescent dyes, or improvement of the imaging system to make this application clinically beneficial.
KW - near-infrared fluorescence imaging
KW - ureter
KW - methylene blue
KW - laparoscopic colorectal surgery
KW - urology
U2 - 10.1089/lap.2016.0264
DO - 10.1089/lap.2016.0264
M3 - Article
C2 - 27575463
SN - 1092-6429
VL - 26
SP - 870
EP - 875
JO - Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques
JF - Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques
IS - 11
ER -