Ureteric mapping with Indocyanine green: A new tool to prevent ureteral injury in complex gynecological surgery

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this video is to show that ureteric injection of Indocyanine green dye in difficult gynecological operations is a useful tool to identify and safeguard ureters. Case description: A 56-year-old lady with a large 10.5 × 14.5 × 13 cm3 multiloculated endometriotic cyst in the right adnexa was scheduled for robotic-assisted hysterectomy with bilateral salphingooophorectomy. She had undergone a laparotomy and three laparoscopic surgeries for endometriosis and fibroid uterus. Before starting surgery, cystoscopy was performed and with 6 Fr ureteral catheter inserted into ureteral orifice, 5 mL of 0.5% Indocyanine green dye (Aurolab, Madurai, India) was injected into both ureters. Intraoperatively bilateral adnexal cysts were seen densely adherent to omentum, sigmoid colon, sigmoid mesocolon, bladder, and lateral pelvic wall. Bladder and rectosigmoid were pulled up both anteriorly and posteriorly, respectively, and densely adherent to uterus and to adnexal cysts. During surgery, the course of ureter was identified by the green fluorescence emitted by the Indocyanine green dye under near-infrared light on da Vinci Xi camera. During this difficult surgery, the real-time visualization of ureteric course helped to identify and safeguard ureter during adhesiolysis and surgery could be completed without any injury to ureter. Patient did not experience any side effects due to the ureteric Indocyanine green injection. Conclusion: Endometriosis can distort the pelvic anatomy making surgery very challenging. Identifying the course of ureter during surgery can help in avoiding injuries and reduce surgical morbidity.