SAGES 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis for fluorescence image-guided gastrointestinal surgery using indocyanine green.
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All Authors
Kapsampelis P.
Calabrese E.C.
Kumar S.S.
Shehata D.
Bansal V.
Carsky K.
Eason A.
Khataniar H.
Scholz S.
Rodriguez-Luna M.R.
LTHT Author
Kapsampelis, Panagiotis
LTHT Department
Cardio-Respiratory
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Emergency Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Emergency Surgery
Non Medic
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Article
Language
Subject
CHOLECYSTECTOMY, LAPAROSCOPIC , TOMOGRAPHY, X-RAY COMPUTED , ENDOSCOPY , FLUORESCENCE , GUIDELINES AS TOPIC , BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH , ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGERY , DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES , DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
Subject Headings
Abstract
Background: Fluorescence image-guided surgery (FIGS) using indocyanine green (ICG) enhances intraoperative visualization. Its application spans various surgical fields, yet evidence on its influence on clinical outcomes remains inconsistent. This systematic review was conducted as part of a guideline development process to evaluate the effectiveness of FIGS with ICG across several different surgical applications. Method(s): A systematic review was carried out, including a literature search up to October 2022, addressing eight predefined key questions (KQs) on the role FIGS with ICG in thoracic duct identification, detection of distant cancer metastases and primary cancers, lymph node retrieval, and improved evaluation of anastomotic perfusion. The search was extended until September 2024 for colorectal anastomosis application. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies. Meta-analyses were conducted where appropriate. The review is reported following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Result(s): Seven RCTs were pooled and found that FIGS with ICG reduced colorectal anastomotic leak rates (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.58, 95%CI 0.44-0.75). It also facilitated intraoperative changes in the transection point during colorectal anastomoses in RCTs (OR 35.15, 95%CI 8.72-141.77). FIGS with ICG increased lymph node retrieval in gastrointestinal cancer surgeries by 6.32 nodes on average (95%CI 4.43-8.22). Evidence regarding its role in thoracic duct identification, esophageal anastomoses, bariatric surgeries, and pediatric applications remained limited. Conclusion(s): This systematic review demonstrates that FIGS with ICG improves outcomes in specific surgical applications, particularly in malignant lymph node retrieval and colorectal anastomotic leak reduction. However, its effectiveness varies depending on the surgical context and clinical question. Further high-quality studies are required to address remaining gaps and inform evidence-based guidelines for broader implementation. Copyright © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.
Journal
Surgical Endoscopy