Indocyanine green fluorescence staining based on the "hepatic pedicle first" approach during laparoscopic anatomic liver resection.

BACKGROUND

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence staining is one of the most challenging procedures for laparoscopic anatomic liver resection (LALR). Here, we introduce a novel method based on the "hepatic pedicle first" approach that can improve the success rate of positive staining.

METHOD

The target hepatic pedicle (even for the subsegment) was dissected through the first porta until it became visible. Five milliliters of 0.025 mg/ml ICG was injected after the target hepatic pedicle (extra-Glissonian approach) or portal vein/hepatic artery (intra-Glissonian approach) was punctured successfully using scalp acupuncture under direct vision. Then, the Glissonian pedicle or vessel was clamped immediately to prevent the intrahepatic diffusion of ICG. During the operation, a fluorescence imaging model was used repeatedly to confirm the segmental boundary.

RESULTS

Finally, 24 patients underwent LALR with the "hepatic pedicle first" approach for ICG fluorescence-positive staining. In 5 patients, ICG-positive staining failed, representing a 79.17% success rate. The average staining time was 25.92 min ± 14.64 min. There were no complications associated with vessel puncture (bile leakage, hemorrhage, and thrombosis).

CONCLUSION

The "hepatic pedicle first" approach is a feasible, convenient, and safe method for ICG-positive staining, with a high success rate.