Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence angiography of gastric conduit after transhiatal thoracic esophagectomy with proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma: A case report and initial experience at a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: We documented the initial experience in our institution where we used indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography as adjunct in the evaluation of the vascular supply of a reconstructed gastric conduit for esophageal replacement for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old patient consulted with a two-month history of melena and weight loss and unremarkable chest and abdominal physical examinations. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND INVESTIGATIONS: Upper endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans of the chest and abdomen demonstrated an EGJ tumor with no nodal and distant metastases, which revealed adenocarcinoma on biopsy. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient underwent combined thoracoscopic-assisted and transhiatal thoracic esophagectomy with proximal gastrectomy. Esophageal reconstruction was done via a retrosternal gastric pull-up. The perfusion and viability of the gastric conduit were confirmed as per usual methods of inspection and palpation. ICG fluorescence angiography further demonstrated and confirmed the vascular perfusion of the gastric conduit and the optimal site of anastomosis. The patient had an unremarkable postoperative course with no reported anastomotic leakage and stricture formation at 12 months follow-up. RELEVANCE AND IMPACT: ICG fluorescence angiography represents a feasible and promising tool in assessing viability of esophageal replacement and choosing the optimal site for anastomosis with the proximal esophagus. It can aid in choosing the most appropriate site of anastomosis to prevent ischemia-related complications such as leakage or stricture. This particular case can serve as an initial learning experience to guide surgeons in our institution in the use of ICG fluorescence angiography for esophageal replacements after esophagectomy.