Anatomical mapping of the biliary tree during laparoscopic cholecystectomy by using indocyanine green dye

BACKGROUND: Fluorescent cholangiography using intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) is a noninvasive technique that enables real-time intraoperative imaging of biliary anatomy. The objective of this study was to visualise the biliary anatomy in routine and complicated cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of patients undergoing LC for various indications. After obtaining consent, 5 mg/1 ml of ICG dye was administered intravenously in each patient, 2 h before the incision time. LC was performed by standard critical view of the safety technique. The biliary tree was visualised using near-infrared (NIR) view before clipping any structure. Intra-operative findings, visibility of ducts in the NIR view, conversion, adverse reactions to ICG and post-operative outcomes in all patients were recorded. RESULTS: Out of 43 patients undergoing LC, 24 had cholelithiasis, 10 had acute cholecystitis, 3 had chronic cholecystitis, 1 had mucocele of the gall bladder, 1 had gall bladder polyp and 4 cases had common bile duct (CBD) stone clearance with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Cystic duct (CD) and CBD were visualised in 100% of cases among all groups except for those with acute cholecystitis where CD and CBD were visualised in 90% and 80% of cases, respectively, and in chronic cholecystitis CD and CBD were visualised in 66.6% and 80% of patients, respectively. There was one elective conversion in the chronic cholecystitis group due to dense adhesions and non-progression. Only the CBD was visualised in this case. There were no cases of CBD injury or any allergic reactions to the dye. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescent cholangiography during LC is a safe and non-invasive method, allowing superior anatomical visualisation of the biliary tree in comparison to simple laparoscopy. This method can correct misinterpretation errors and detect aberrant duct anatomy, thus increasing the confidence of the operating surgeon enabling safe dissection. This simple technique has the potential to become standard practice to avoid bile duct injury during LC.