The authors thank Prof. Yu Guo and Prof. Yunpeng Hua (Department of Liver Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University) for providing advice and careful review. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81201919), the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (2017A030313495).

Study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and the study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Written informed consents were obtained from patients.
1. Inclusion-exclusion criteria
<ol>
	<li>Include adult acute pancreatitis patients with evidence of infected necrosis that required an indication for invasive intervention. 
	NOTE: Acute pancreatitis is defined when at least two of the three following features are observed in patients 1) typical upper abdominal pain, 2) level of serum amylase or lipase above three times the upper level than normal, 3) typical findings of cross-sectional abdominal CT or MRI imaging10,11,12. Infected necrosis is defined as a positive culture obtained by fine needle aspiration or PCD of necrotic collections, or the presence of gas configurations within necrotic collections on contrast enhanced CT image.</li>
	<li>Exclude patients with previous invasive interventions for necrotizing pancreatitis, acute episode of chronic pancreatitis, recurrent acute pancreatitis and with indications for emergency laparotomy (i.e., abdominal compartment syndrome, perforation or bleeding of a visceral organ, and gastrointestinal or biliary obstruction).</li>
</ol>
2. VARD procedure
<ol>
	<li>Firstly, in acute necrotizing pancreatitis patients with above criteria, place ultrasound-guided percutaneous pigtail catheters (14 Fr or 16 Fr) into the left or right retroperitoneum to drain peripancreatic or necrotic collections, that can be located on the contrast enhanced CT image. (If condition permitted, duration of PCD placement should be maintained within about 4 weeks after the onset of AP for necrotic collections to demarcate and wall-off.</li>
	<li>If infected collections persisted and patients&#39; clinical situation deteriorates (progressive elevation of body temperature, elevated white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, new onset of progressive organ dysfunction), be sure to provide surgical intervention and apply VARD in these patients1,2.</li>
	<li>Place the patient in supine position or in supine position with the left side 30-40&#176; elevated, and under general anesthesia.</li>
	<li>Make a skin incision (12 mm) at the site of previous pigtail catheter and gently dilate the tract with forceps.</li>
	<li>Insert a 12 mm laparoscopic trocar along the tract to the retroperitoneal necrotic collections followed by the removal of the pigtail catheter.</li>
	<li>Apply carbon dioxide pneumoretroperitoneum (11 mmHg to 12 mmHg) if a wider debridement space is needed by insufflating carbon dioxide through this 12 mm trocar.</li>
	<li>Place a near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy via the observing trocar and make one additional incision (10 mm) subcostal in the left (or right) flank at the mid-axillary line, under laparoscopy monitoring (the incision can be close to the exit point of the percutaneous drain if another drainage pigtail catheter existed). The incision should be at least at a 8 cm distance from the observing trocar.</li>
	<li>Insert a 10 mm laparoscopic trocar from above the incision and remove necrotic debris using laparoscopic graspers. Necrotic debris turn out to be a retroperitoneal mass with grayish yellow under white light image or low contrasted under fluorescence image. Aspirate the collections by laparoscopic aspirator via the operative trocar. Extend the above incision to 5 cm with electrotome under laparoscopy monitoring if removal of the larger pieces of necrosis is needed.</li>
</ol>
3. ICG-guided intraoperative fluorescence imaging
<ol>
	<li>After insertion of a 10 mm operative trocar and before beginning to separate necrotic debris from adjacent normal tissue using laparoscopic forceps, switch the display mode of the laparoscopy to multi-display mode (white light image and fluorescence image are displayed separately in Picture-in-Picture mode).</li>
	<li>Inject the first bolus of ICG (0.1 mg/kg body weight) intravenously in a peripheral vein. Then, follow with a flush of 10 mL of saline. After 10 to 20 s, visualize peak perfusion of adjacent normal tissues or vessels in the fluorescence field. A clearer separating surface can be distinguished from the debris.</li>
	<li>Only remove poorly perfused and loosely adherent necrotic debris using laparoscopic graspers. Avoid tearing the underlying bowel or vessel.</li>
	<li>Inject another bolus of ICG (0.1 mg/kg body weight) intravenously if ICG fluorescence decay.</li>
	<li>After the removal of the bulk of necrotic debris, irrigate the cavity of the retroperitoneum with saline and aspirate with laparoscopic aspirator until the lavage fluid becomes clear.</li>
	<li>Place at least one pair of drainage tubes at the deepest region of the cavity after debridement. Suture the fascia and skin and close.</li>
</ol>
4. Postoperative management
<ol>
	<li>Perform continuous lavage with sterile saline and repeat CT scan 1 week after the VARD procedure.</li>
</ol>

<ol><li>Trikudanathan, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Current+concepts+in+severe+acute+and+necrotizing+pancreatitis%3A+An+evidence-based+approach%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Gastroenterology%22%5BJournal%5D)">Current concepts in severe acute and necrotizing pancreatitis: An evidence-based approach.</a> Gastroenterology. 156 (7), 1994-2007 (2019).</li>
<li>Baron, T. H., DiMaio, C. J., Wang, A. Y., Morgan, K. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((American+Gastroenterological+Association+clinical+practice+update%3A+Management+of+pancreatic+necrosis%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Gastroenterology%22%5BJournal%5D)">American Gastroenterological Association clinical practice update: Management of pancreatic necrosis.</a> Gastroenterology. 158 (1), 67-75 (2020).</li>
<li>Raraty, M. G. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Minimal+access+retroperitoneal+pancreatic+necrosectomy%3A+improvement+in+morbidity+and+mortality+with+a+less+invasive+approach%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Annals+of+Surgery%22%5BJournal%5D)">Minimal access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy: improvement in morbidity and mortality with a less invasive approach.</a> Annals of Surgery. 251 (5), 787-793 (2010).</li>
<li>Dhingra, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Single+or+multiport+percutaneous+endoscopic+necrosectomy+performed+with+the+patient+under+conscious+sedation+is+a+safe+and+effective+treatment+for+infected+pancreatic+necrosis+%28with+video%29%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Gastrointestinal+Endoscopy%22%5BJournal%5D)">Single or multiport percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy performed with the patient under conscious sedation is a safe and effective treatment for infected pancreatic necrosis (with video).</a> Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 81 (2), 351-359 (2015).</li>
<li>Gomatos, I. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Outcomes+from+minimal+access+retroperitoneal+and+open+pancreatic+necrosectomy+in+394+patients+with+necrotizing+pancreatitis%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Annals+of+Surgery%22%5BJournal%5D)">Outcomes from minimal access retroperitoneal and open pancreatic necrosectomy in 394 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis.</a> Annals of Surgery. 263 (5), 992-1001 (2016).</li>
<li>Boni, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Clinical+applications+of+indocyanine+green+%28ICG%29+enhanced+fluorescence+in+laparoscopic+surgery%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Surgical+Endoscopy%22%5BJournal%5D)">Clinical applications of indocyanine green (ICG) enhanced fluorescence in laparoscopic surgery.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 29 (7), 2046-2055 (2015).</li>
<li>Nardi, P. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Intraoperative+angiography+with+indocyanine+green+to+assess+anastomosis+perfusion+in+patients+undergoing+laparoscopic+colorectal+resection%3A+results+of+a+multicenter+randomized+controlled+trial%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Surgical+Endoscopy%22%5BJournal%5D)">Intraoperative angiography with indocyanine green to assess anastomosis perfusion in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection: results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 34 (1), 53-60 (2020).</li>
<li>Newton, A. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Intraoperative+near-infrared+imaging+can+identify+neoplasms+and+aid+in+real-time+margin+assessment+during+pancreatic+resection%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Annals+of+Surgery%22%5BJournal%5D)">Intraoperative near-infrared imaging can identify neoplasms and aid in real-time margin assessment during pancreatic resection.</a> Annals of Surgery. 270 (1), 12-20 (2019).</li>
<li>Cai, Y., Zheng, Z., Gao, P., Li, Y., Peng, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Laparoscopic+duodenum-preserving+total+pancreatic+head+resection+using+real-time+indocyanine+green+fluorescence+imaging%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Surgical+Endoscopy%22%5BJournal%5D)">Laparoscopic duodenum-preserving total pancreatic head resection using real-time indocyanine green fluorescence imaging.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 35 (3), 1355-1361 (2021).</li>
<li>Santvoort, H. C. v, et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Dutch+pancreatitis+study+group.+A+step-up+approach+or+open+necrosectomy+for+necrotizing+pancreatitis%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22The+New+England+Journal+of+Medicine%22%5BJournal%5D)">Dutch pancreatitis study group. A step-up approach or open necrosectomy for necrotizing pancreatitis.</a> The New England Journal of Medicine. 362 (16), 1491-1502 (2010).</li>
<li>Bakker, O. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Dutch+Pancreatitis+Study+Group.+Endoscopic+transgastric+vs+surgical+necrosectomy+for+infected+necrotizing+pancreatitis%3A+a+randomized+trial%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22JAMA%22%5BJournal%5D)">Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group. Endoscopic transgastric vs surgical necrosectomy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: a randomized trial.</a> JAMA. 307 (10), 1053-1061 (2012).</li>
<li>Brunschot, S. v, et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Dutch+Pancreatitis+Study+Group.+Endoscopic+or+surgical+step-up+approach+for+infected+necrotising+pancreatitis%3A+a+multicentre+randomised+trial%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Lancet%22%5BJournal%5D)">Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group. Endoscopic or surgical step-up approach for infected necrotising pancreatitis: a multicentre randomised trial.</a> Lancet. 391 (10115), 51-58 (2018).</li>
<li>Bang, J. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((An+endoscopic+transluminal+approach%2C+compared+with+minimally+invasive+surgery%2C+reduces+complications+and+costs+for+patients+with+necrotizing+pancreatitis%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Gastroenterology%22%5BJournal%5D)">An endoscopic transluminal approach, compared with minimally invasive surgery, reduces complications and costs for patients with necrotizing pancreatitis.</a> Gastroenterology. 156 (4), 1027-1040 (2019).</li>
</ol>

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

The present study reveals that ICG-guided real-time intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging may provide benefit to perfusion assessment and visualization of adjacent normal tissues during debridement in VARD.
In the minimally invasive era, the step-up approach consisting of PCD or endoscopic transmural drainage followed by endoscopic necrosectomy or surgical debridement, such as VARD, has been regarded as standard treatment of severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis patients<sup class=...

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common digestive diseases and brings enormous medical and economic burden to patients. About 20% of AP patients develop severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) that gets complicated with infected necrosis or persistent organ dysfunction1. SAP is usually associated with higher morbidity rate and mortality rate (up to 30%)1. In SAP patients with infected necrosis having persistent organ dysfunction or failure to recover after percutaneous drainage (PCD), or suffering from gastrointestinal or biliary obstruction, operative debridement should be considered1,2.
In the minimally invasive era, there are multiple approaches to operative debridement beside open surgery, including endoscopic transluminal necrosectomy, laparoscopic or open transgastric debridement, and video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD), which is the part of the step-up approach1,2. VARD is the preferred approach for patients with left-sided distribution of infected necrosis extended to paracolic gutter or deep to the retroperitoneum2. As there are rarely any visually clear separating surface in white light image under laparoscopy between necrotic debris and adjacent inflammatory normal tissues due to extensive retroperitoneal adhesions, VARD is inevitably accompanied by the risk of vascular injury, external pancreatico-cutaneous, or enterocutaneous fistulae3,4,5.
Real-time intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) has been applied to facilitate perfusion assessment of bowel6,7 and visualization of biliary and vascular anatomy8,9. In view of the above disadvantages of VARD, we apply real-time near-infrared fluorescence imaging with ICG during VARD that enables the visualization of the well-perfused adjacent normal tissues and vascular structure. This modified technique (ICG-guided VARD) can provide a clear separating surface during operative debridement and reduced risk of vascular or enteric injury. ICG-guided VARD may facilitate surgeons to perform safer debridement in treating severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

<table><tbody><tr><td>The 4K Ultra HD Fluorescence Endoscopic Navigation System</td><td>Guangdong OptoMedic Technologies Inc</td><td>OPTO-CAM214K</td><td>fluorescence laparoscopy</td></tr><tr><td>indocyanine green</td><td>DanDong YiChuang Pharmaceutical CO., LTD</td><td>H20055881</td><td>indocyanine green injection for fluorescence imaging</td></tr></tbody></table>

indocyanine green-guided intraoperative imaging to facilitate video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement for treating acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) is a feasible, minimally invasive necrosectomy method for treating severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis, if it does not resolve or is accompanied with infected necrosis in the retroperitoneum. As there are rarely any visually clear separating surface in white light image between necrotic debris and adjacent inflammatory normal tissues due to extensive retroperitoneal adhesions, VARD is accompanied with the risk of vascular injury, external pancreatico-cutaneous or enterocutaneous fistulae. In view of the above disadvantages, we apply real-time intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) during VARD, which enables visualization of the well-perfused adjacent normal tissues. This modified technique (ICG-guided VARD) can provide a clear separating surface during debridement and reduce the risk of vascular or enteric injury. ICG-guided VARD may facilitate surgeons to perform safer debridement in treating severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

ICG-guided VARD had been successfully performed in three severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis patients from June 2021. Characteristics of these patients at baseline and after VARD are included in Table 1. The first patient who received ICG-guided VARD was a male, 41-year-old patient who was admitted on 20th June 2021. He suffered from moderately acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Abdominal contrast enhanced CT scan revealed (as shown in Figure 1 and Table 1) t...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Indocyanine Green-Guided Intraoperative Imaging to Facilitate Video-Assisted Retroperitoneal Debridement for Treating Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis at JoVE.c

Indocyanine Green-Guided Intraoperative Imaging to Facilitate Video-Assisted Retroperitoneal Debridement for Treating Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis

This protocol presents Indocyanine Green-guided video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (ICG-guided VARD) for treating severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) is a feasible, minimally invasive necrosectomy method for treating severe acute necrotizing ...

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2.4K Views.  Sun Yat-sen University. This protocol presents Indocyanine Green-guided video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (ICG-guided VARD) for treating severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Video: Indocyanine Green-Guided Intraoperative Imaging to Facilitate Video-Assisted Retroperitoneal Debridement for Treating Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Multispectral Real-time Fluorescence Imaging for Intraoperative Detection of the Sentinel Lymph Node in Gynecologic Oncology

The prognosis in virtually all solid tumors depends on the presence or absence of lymph node metastases.1-3 Surgical treatment most often combines radical excision of the tumor with a full lymphadenectomy in the drainage area of the tumor. However, removal of lymph nodes is associated with increased morbidity due to infection, wound breakdown and lymphedema.4,5 As an alternative, the sentinel lymph node procedure (SLN) was developed several decades ago to detect the first draining lymph node from the tumor.6 In case of lymphogenic dissemination, the SLN is the first lymph node that is affected (Figure 1). Hence, if the SLN does not contain metastases, downstream lymph nodes will also be free from tumor metastases and need not to be removed. The SLN procedure is part of the treatment for many tumor types, like breast cancer and melanoma, but also for cancer of the vulva and cervix.7 The current standard methodology for SLN-detection is by peritumoral injection of radiocolloid one day prior to surgery, and a colored dye intraoperatively. Disadvantages of the procedure in cervical and vulvar cancer are multiple injections in the genital area, leading to increased psychological distress for the patient, and the use of radioactive colloid.
Multispectral fluorescence imaging is an emerging imaging modality that can be applied intraoperatively without the need for injection of radiocolloid. For intraoperative fluorescence imaging, two components are needed: a fluorescent agent and a quantitative optical system for intraoperative imaging. As a fluorophore we have used indocyanine green (ICG). ICG has been used for many decades to assess cardiac function, cerebral perfusion and liver perfusion.8 It is an inert drug with a safe pharmaco-biological profile. When excited at around 750 nm, it emits light in the near-infrared spectrum around 800 nm. A custom-made multispectral fluorescence imaging camera system was used.9.
The aim of this video article is to demonstrate the detection of the SLN using intraoperative fluorescence imaging in patients with cervical and vulvar cancer. Fluorescence imaging is used in conjunction with the standard procedure, consisting of radiocolloid and a blue dye. In the future, intraoperative fluorescence imaging might replace the current method and is also easily transferable to other indications like breast cancer and melanoma.

Fluorescence imaging is a promising innovative modality for image-guided surgery in surgical oncology. In this video we describe the technical procedure for detection of the sentinel lymph node using fluorescence imaging as showcased in gynecologic oncologicy. A multispectral fluorescence camera system, together with the fluorescent agent indocyanine green, is applied.

The prognosis in virtually all solid tumors depends on the presence or absence of lymph node metastases.1-3 Surgical treatment most often combines radical ...

Laparoscopic Anatomical Hepatectomy Using Takasaki's Approach and Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Navigation

Laparoscopic anatomical liver resection is a standard treatment for liver cancer. Segmental resection of S4/5/7/8 is complex and lacks standardized procedures, leading to common complications. Innovative techniques are essential for enhancing safety and outcomes. A 45-year-old male with a history of hepatitis B, Child-Pugh Class A liver function, performance status (PS) score 0, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 198.3 ng/mL was diagnosed with a 4 cm &#215; 5 cm &#215; 5 cm mass in S4/7/8, indicating primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), closely associated with the middle and right hepatic veins (BCLC A). The 15-min retention rate of indocyanine green (ICG) was 7.8%. The standard liver volume (SLV) was 1073 mL, and the actual liver volume was 1345 mL. We performed laparoscopic resection of segments S4/5/8 and partial S7, resecting the middle hepatic vein (MHV) while preserving the right hepatic vein (RHV) because MHV was so closed with the tumor. The future liver remnant (FLR) was 590 mL, with an FLR/SLV ratio of 55%. The surgical procedure utilized Takasaki's approach to block the right anterior hepatic pedicle and fluorescence staining to identify the transection line. The operation lasted 205 min with an estimated blood loss of 150 mL. The patient experienced no postoperative complications and was discharged on the sixth day. Histopathology confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma with clear resection margins. Takasaki's approach, combined with ICG fluorescence navigation, significantly improves laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy. This technique enhances visualization, reduces complications, and offers a new standard for complex liver resections.

Here, we present a protocol for laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy using Takasaki's approach and indocyanine green fluorescence navigation in S4/5/7/8 resection.

Laparoscopic anatomical liver resection is a standard treatment for liver cancer. Segmental resection of S4/5/7/8 is complex and lacks standardized ...

Cancer Research

Technical Detail for Robot Assisted Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Since its first report in 2003, robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) has gained popularity among pancreatic surgeons. Inherent advantages of the robotic platform, including three-dimensional vision, wristed instruments, and improved ergonomics, allow the surgeon to recapitulate the principles of open pancreatoduodenectomy allowing safe oncologic dissection, hemostasis, and meticulous reconstruction. Over the course of the past decade, significant strides have been achieved in outlining the safety, feasibility, and learning curve of the robotic Whipple. When performed by high volume pancreatic surgeons experienced in RPD, recent comparative effectiveness studies show potential advantages compared to the open technique, including reductions in hospital stay and morbidity. National data also show reductions in conversion rates compared to its laparoscopic counterpart. Although long-term oncologic data are still needed, short-term oncologic surrogates of margin resection and lymph node harvest suggest no compromise in oncologic outcomes. As pancreatic surgeons increasingly integrate robotics into their practice, proficiency-based training and credentialing will be necessary for the safe application and dissemination of RPD. Here, we provide the detailed steps of a robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.&#160;

The following manuscript details a stepwise approach to the robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Since its first report in 2003, robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) has gained popularity among pancreatic surgeons. Inherent advantages of the robotic ...

Robotic Enucleation of an Intra-Pancreatic Insulinoma in the Pancreatic Head

Pancreatic parenchyma sparing surgery for insulinomas avoids the risk of endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, and potential high-risk anastomoses associated with pancreatic resection. Robotic surgery may be used as an alternative for open pancreatic enucleation without compromising dexterity and 3D-vision.
We present the case of a 42-year old woman who presented with sweating, tremor and episodes of hypoglycemia. A fasting test confirmed endogenic insulin overproduction. After inconclusive CT- and MRI imaging, endoscopic ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic lesion, which was fully within the pancreatic head. Although consent was obtained for pancreatoduodenectomy, robotic enucleation seemed feasible. After mobilization, intraoperative ultrasonography was used to identify the lesion and its relation with the pancreatic duct. Dissection was performed using a traction suture, hot shears and bipolar diathermia. A sealant patch was applied for hemostasis and a drain placed. The patient developed a grade B pancreatic fistula for which endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed; the surgical drain could be removed in the outpatient clinic after 20 days. Prospective studies should confirm the short- and long-term benefits of robotic enucleation of insulinomas.

Here, we present a robotic approach to enucleate an insulinoma in the pancreatic head.

Pancreatic parenchyma sparing surgery for insulinomas avoids the risk of endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, and potential high-risk anastomoses ...

Robotic Left Hepatectomy using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging for an Intrahepatic Complex Biliary Cyst

Biliary cysts (BC) are rare congenital dilatations of intra- and extrahepatic parts of the biliary tract and bear a significant risk of carcinogenesis. Surgery is the cornerstone treatment for patients with BC. While total BC excision and Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy is the treatment method of the choice in patients with extrahepatic BC (i.e., Todani I-IV), patients with intrahepatic BC (i.e., Todani V) benefit the most from a surgical liver resection. In recent years, minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) including robotic MILS has gained more acceptance as a feasible, safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of both benign and malignant indications. Robotic major MILS is still considered technically demanding and a detailed description of the technical approach during robotic major MILS has only been limitedly discussed in the literature. The current article describes the main steps for a robotic left hepatectomy in a patient with a large BC Todani Type V. The patient is in French position with 5 trocars placed (4 robotic, 1 laparoscopic assistant). After mobilizing the left hemiliver, the left and right hepatic artery are dissected carefully followed by a cholecystectomy. Intraoperative ultrasound is performed to confirm localization and margins of the BC. The Left hepatic artery and left portal vein are isolated, clipped, and divided. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging is used regularly during the entire procedure to visualize and confirm biliary tract anatomy and the BC. Parenchymal transection is performed with robotic cautery hook for the superficial part and robotic cautery spatula, bipolar cautery, and vessel sealer for the deeper parenchyma. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. A robotic left hepatectomy is technically demanding, yet a feasible and safe procedure. ICG-fluorescence imaging aids in delineating the BC and bile duct anatomy. Further, comparative studies are needed to confirm clinical benefits of robotic MILS for benign and malignant indications.

Robotic liver surgery has gained more acceptance as a feasible, safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of both benign and malignant indications. However, robotic left hepatectomy is still technically demanding. We describe our surgical technique of a robotic left hepatectomy using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for a large biliary cyst.

Biliary cysts (BC) are rare congenital dilatations of intra- and extrahepatic parts of the biliary tract and bear a significant risk of carcinogenesis. ...

Fluorescent Laparoscopic Central Hepatectomy for Liver Cancer Using Indocyanine Green Negative Staining

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is an important treatment method for liver cancer. In the past, the resection boundary was usually determined by intraoperative ultrasound, important vascular structures, and surgeon experience. With the development of anatomical hepatectomy, visual surgery technology has gradually been applied to this type of surgery, particularly indocyanine green (ICG)-guided anatomical hepatectomy. As ICG can be specifically ingested by hepatocytes and used for fluorescence tracing, negative staining techniques have been applied according to different tumor positions. Under ICG fluorescent guidance, the surface boundary and deep resection plane can be more accurately displayed during liver resection. Thus, the tumor-bearing liver segment can be anatomically removed, which helps to avoid damage to important vessels and reduce ischemia or congestion of the remaining liver tissue. Finally, the incidence of postoperative biliary fistula and liver dysfunction is reduced; therefore, a better prognosis is obtained after the resection of liver cancer. Centrally located liver cancer is usually defined as a tumor located at segments 4, 5, or 8 that requires resection of the middle section of the liver. These are among the most difficult hepatectomies to perform because of the large surgical wounds and multiple vessel transections. Based on the specific tumor location, we formulated the required resection ranges by designing personalized fluorescent staining strategies. By completing anatomical resection based on the portal territory, this work aims to achieve the best therapeutic effect.

The present protocol describes fluorescent negative staining in laparoscopic central hepatectomy. This technique can make hepatectomy more accurate and precise.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is an important treatment method for liver cancer. In the past, the resection boundary was usually determined by intraoperative ...

Laparoscopic Duodenum-Preserving Pancreatic Head Resection via Inferior Infracolic Approach: A Surgical Approach for Benign Lesions

Minimally invasive pancreatic resections are gaining popularity despite being technically demanding. However, in contrast to laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD), laparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (LDPPHR) has not yet obtained wide acceptance. This could be attributed to the technical challenges involved in preserving the blood supply of the duodenum and bile duct.
This study describes and demonstrates all the steps of LDPPHR. A 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with a 3.0 cm x 2.5 cm pancreatic head cystic mass, which was detected unexpectedly. The surgery was performed using the 3D laparoscopy via an inferior infracolic approach. The operation lasted approximately 310 min with 100 mL of blood loss. Postoperatively, the patient experienced no complications and was discharged 5 days later. Pathology revealed intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.
LDPPHR via an inferior infracolic approach is feasible and safe when performed by experienced surgeons in selected patients with thin mesenteric fat layers. The described technique for LDPPHR via inferior infracolic approach should be well standardized and performed at high-volume centers with experienced surgeons in both open and laparoscopic pancreatology.

This article provides a whole technical process of laparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection via an inferior infracolic approach. This is a surgical approach for benign tumors without intraoperative fluorescence image guidance.

Minimally invasive pancreatic resections are gaining popularity despite being technically demanding. However, in contrast to laparoscopic ...

Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Treatment of Necrotizing Pancreatitis Complications

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess

In patients with severe necrotizing pancreatitis, pancreatic necrosis and secondary infection of surrounding tissues can quickly spread to the whole retroperitoneal space. Treatment of pancreatic abscess complicating necrotizing pancreatitis is difficult and has a high mortality rate. The well-accepted treatment strategy is early debridement of necrotic tissues, drainage, and postoperative continuous retroperitoneal lavage. However, traditional open surgery has several disadvantages, such as severe trauma, interference with abdominal organs, a high rate of postoperative infection and adhesion, and hardness with repeated debridement. The retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach has the advantages of minimal invasion, a better drainage route, convenient repeated debridement, and avoidance of the spread of retroperitoneal infection to the abdominal cavity. In addition, retroperitoneal drainage leads to fewer drainage tube problems, including miscounting, displacement, or siphon. The debridement and drainage of pancreatic abscess tissue via the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach plays an increasingly irreplaceable role in improving patient prognosis and saving healthcare resources and costs. The main procedures described here include laying the patient on the right side, raising the lumbar bridge and then arranging the trocar; establishing the pneumoperitoneum and cleaning the pararenal fat tissues; opening the lateral pyramidal fascia and the perirenal fascia outside the peritoneal reflections; opening the anterior renal fascia and entering the anterior pararenal space from the rear; clearing the necrotic tissue and accumulating fluid; and placing drainage tubes and performing postoperative continuous retroperitoneal lavage.

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis

To improve the drainage of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis complicated with peripancreatic abscess and reduce the mortality of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis, we adopted a retroperitoneal approach for peripancreatic abscess debridement and drainage by laparoscopy.

In patients with severe necrotizing pancreatitis, pancreatic necrosis and secondary infection of surrounding tissues can quickly spread to the whole ...

Complete Laparoscopic Radical Resection of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Type IIIb

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is a highly malignant and aggressive tumor, with radical resection being the only curative treatment available. With continuous advancements in laparoscopic techniques and instruments, laparoscopic radical surgery for pCCA is now considered technically safe and feasible. However, due to the high complexity of the surgery and the lack of evidence-based clinical support, laparoscopic radical surgery for type IIIb pCCA is performed only in a few large hepatobiliary centers. Current guidelines recommend left hemihepatectomy combined with total caudate lobectomy and standardized lymphadenectomy for resectable type IIIb pCCA. Therefore, in this article, we provide a detailed description of the surgical steps and technical points of complete laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy combined with total caudate lobectomy, regional lymphadenectomy, and right hepatic duct-jejunal Roux-en-Y anastomosis in patients with type IIIb pCCA, using fluorescence navigation technology to enhance surgical precision and safety. By adhering to standardized surgical procedures and precise intraoperative techniques, we offer an effective means to improve patient outcomes.

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is a highly malignant and aggressive tumor, with radical resection being the only curative treatment available. With ...

The Role of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence in Complex Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Navigation

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold-standard treatment for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. In difficult cases with severe inflammation and adhesions, the risk of bile duct injury (BDI) is significantly higher. Precise identification of anatomical biliary structures is essential to prevent such injuries. Conventional intraoperative visualization techniques (IVT) have limited clinical application due to their complexity, increased trauma, and high error rates. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) as a fluorescent dye, has emerged as an innovative IVT technique. It is increasingly recognized as a feasible, safe, and effective approach for LC. However, the efficacy of NIRF in difficult LC procedures remains unclear, and the optimal timing and dosage of ICG administration are yet to be established. This article outlines the main steps for performing fluorescence-guided difficult LC in a patient with acute gangrenous cholecystitis and evaluates the imaging effects of NIRF in various scenarios. The patient was positioned supine, with four trocars placed. Upon switching to fluorescence mode, the fluorescently labeled bile ducts were readily identified. Following fluorescence guidance, Calot's triangle was carefully dissected. The cystic duct (CD) and cystic artery (CA) were individually identified and clipped before the gallbladder was extracted. Finally, the surgical field was inspected in fluorescence mode to detect bile leakage. With satisfactory ICG imaging and a smooth procedure, the patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. NIRF is a safe and effective technology that shows great promise for future clinical applications.

This protocol outlines the steps for fluorescence-guided laparoscopic cholecystectomy and elucidates the role of fluorescence navigation in diverse surgical scenarios.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold-standard treatment for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. In difficult cases with severe inflammation and ...