Intra-Nodal Indocyanine Green Injection to Delineate Thoracic Duct During Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

Abstract

IntroductionPost-operative chylothorax is a dreaded complication after esophagectomy; hence real-time identification of the thoracic duct (TD) may aid in avoiding its injury or promptly tackling injury when it occurs. We utilized intra-nodal injection of Indocyanine green (ICG) dye to delineate TD anatomy while performing esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma. MethodTwo ml of 1 mg/ml solution of ICG was injected into the inguinal lymph nodes under ultrasound guidance. TD was checked with the laparoscopic Karl Storz IMAGE1 STM or Robotic da Vinci Xi system. The thoracic esophagus, periesophageal tissue, and lymph nodes were dissected. The TD was visualized throughout the dissection using OverlayTM technology & Firefly mode™ and checked at the end to rule out any dye leak. TD was clipped if any dye leakage or TD injury (TDI) was noted using Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy. ResultsTwenty one patients with M:F 13:8 underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) [thoracoscopic assisted (n = 15) and robotic-assisted (n = 6)]. TD was visualized in all the cases after a median (IQR) time of 35 (30, 35) min. The median (IQR) duration of the thoracic phase was 150 (120,165) min. TDI occurred in 1 case, identified intra-operatively, and TD was successfully clipped. There were no post-operative chylothorax or adverse reactions from the ICG injection. ConclusionIntra-nodal ICG injection before MIE helps to identify the TD in real-time and is a valuable intra-operative aid to prevent or successfully manage a TD injury. It may help to prevent the dreaded complication of post-operative chylothorax after esophagectomy.