A randomized clinical trial, conducted across five Finnish hospitals, assessed the impact of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging on anastomotic leak rates in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The study found no statistically significant reduction in overall anastomotic leaks with the use of indocyanine green. However, a potential benefit emerged for left-sided colorectal resections. Additional ICG fluorescence imaging resulted in a higher rate of anastomotic site adjustments but did not significantly affect reoperation rates or hospital stays. The study highlighted limitations, indicating that routine use of ICG fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic colon surgery may not be warranted.

Source: JAMA Surgery