Preoperative Localization of Early Colorectal Cancer or a Malignant Polyp by Using the Patient's Own Blood

PURPOSE: Preoperative localization is the most important preparation for laparoscopic surgery. Preoperative marking with India ink has widely been used and is considered to be safe and effective. However, India ink can cause significant inflammation, adhesions and bowel obstruction. Therefore, we have used the patient's blood instead of the ink since 2011. In this retrospective study, we wanted to examine the feasibility of preoperative localization by using the patient's blood. METHODS: Twenty-five patients who underwent preoperative localization in which 10 mL of their own venous blood was used as a tattooing agent were included in this study. The characteristics of the patients, the anatomy of the colon cancer, and the efficacy and the side effects of using this procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: In 23 cases (92%), through the laparoscope, we found perfectly localized bloody smudges in the serosa. However, in 2 cases (8%), we could not find the exact location of the lesion. No patients showed any complications. CONCLUSION: Preoperative localization of early colon cancer or a malignant polyp by using patient's blood is feasible, safe and simple. We think that using the patient's blood for localization of a lesion is better than using some other foreign material such as India ink.