Narrative review on applications of fluorescence-guided surgery in adult and paediatric urology

Abstract

: More recently, there has been a substantial increase in the use of fluorophores to guide open and laparoscopic procedures with the ultimate aim to optimize both oncological and functional outcomes and to reduce operative time and blood loss. Fluorescent dyes are currently adopted to allow safer and more accurate dissections during both oncological and reconstructive procedures thanks to their ability of highlighting tumour margins and tissue vascularization. Urology is one of the fields in which fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) has proved to be most useful. In particular, it has assumed a pivotal role in the surgical treatment of oncological patients affected by kidney, bladder, prostate and penis cancers and in the management of paediatric urological conditions. This review aims to provide an update on the use of FGS in adult and paediatric urology, drawing attention to its most recent and interesting applications in this very innovative field of research. Although FGS has been only recently introduced in the clinical scenario, it can be already considered a powerful tool to improve oncological, anatomical and functional outcomes in both adult and paediatric urology. An increased identification of lymph nodes (LNs), a more accurate visualization of tumour margins and a better definition of blood supply and lymphatic drainage have proved to be greatly beneficial for patients undergoing urological procedures, whether they are adults or children. Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are still needed to draw firm conclusions and to confirm its benefits in urology.