Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in robotic surgery: State of art, tips and tricks in current applications

Abstract

Background – Fluorescent imaging with indocyanine green is an emerging technology whose benefits are put in perspective. Objective – This article reports essential principles and approaches of intraoperative fluorescence in general surgery bringing familiarity to its practical usage. Our group describes possible pitfalls and provides tips and tricks for training surgeons making their attempts easier and reproducible during practice. Methods – This study overviews the most structured concepts, practical applications and its tricks in robotic fluorescence guided imaging surgery with indocyanine green. Possible pitfalls are emphasized and emerging fields of application are put in a perspective. Results – Guided information and prac­tical applications in several surgical fields are described for a safe and reproducible indocyanine green fluorescence imaging use. Conclusion – Robotic assisted surgery combined to fluorescence imaging technology represents a logical evolution in image guided surgery and technology familiarity with guided information may represent a wider and safer spectrum of use in surgeons’ hands.