Indocyanine green fluorescence-guided laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy: efficacy of negative staining for precise parenchymal transection and bile duct resection

Abstract

Purpose: ICG fluorescence imaging is useful to locate segmental boundaries for anatomical resection and to delineate biliary anatomy. Its application in laparoscopic liver surgery is being recently explored and perceived of usefulness given the lack of tactile sensation. This video documents the application of the negative ICG staining technique for an efficient fluorescence guide in pure laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy, for both precise parenchymal transection and bile duct resection. Method: The patient is affected by solitary intrahepatic recurrence of colorectal liver metastasis between Sg 3 and 4 with endobiliary thrombus dilating the left hemiliver biliary tree. The hilar approach is used to isolate the left hepatic artery and ipsilateral portal branch, and the inflow for the left hemiliver is selectively clamped. A solution of 10 mg of ICG diluted in 10 mL saline solution is administered i.v. and the camera switched to the near infrared light. Results: After 2 mins the right hemiliver becomes fluorescent and left hemiliver counterstained on the glissonian surface. The proper transection line is marked, and the transection started. Differently from the traditional vascular demarcation, the ICG fluorescence boundary remains highly visible along the deep transection planes which allows to follow a clear and clean dissection plane during all the transection time. The transection is continued up to the hilar plate until the left portal branch and ipsilateral hepatic artery are encountered, which are both secured with clips before bulldog removal it is ensured that the left hemiliver remains unperfused by ICG, and the two vessels are then interrupted. The left bile duct is identified intraparenchymally, with the endobiliary thrombus inside remaining counterstained, and it is encircled distally to its endobiliary bulging thus allowing precise bile duct section with sufficient free margin at first frozen section. The transection is carried forward up to the identification of the left hepatic vein, which is sectioned by vascular stapler, and the specimen then extracted after biliostatic and hemostatic check. Conclusion: ICG fluorescence imaging with negative staining is useful not only for segmental anatomical resections but safe and efficient technique for both precise parenchymal transection and bile duct resection during anatomical major hemihepatectomy.