The outcome of real-time evaluation of biliary flow using near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography with Indocyanine green in biliary atresia surgery

Abstract

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging is a promising tool for intraoperative decision-making. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography (NIR-FCG) with ICG in primary surgery for biliary atresia (BA).

Methods: We performed NIR-FCG with ICG in 10 BA patients and observed the fluorescence of their hilar micro-bile ducts and hilar exudate in order to assess the appropriate level at which to dissect the hilar fibrous corn. We compared the jaundice outcome of 10 patients using NIR-FCG (Group A) to that of 35 historical patients in whom NIR-FCG had not been used (Group B).

Results: The mean age of patients was 74.8 days. The classification of BA was type I in two cases and type-III in eight cases. NIR-FCG visualized the hilar micro-bile ducts, and the incidence of positive fluorescence was 80%. The ratio of postoperative normalization of hyperbilirubinemia in Group A was significantly higher than that in Group B (1.0 vs. 0.65, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: NIR-FCG provided important objectifiable information about the biliary structures in surgery of BA. Although the number of cases was small, our results suggest that NIR-FCG may be useful for improving the outcome of primary surgery for BA.

Type of study: Study of Diagnostic Test.

Level of evidence: Level III.

Keywords: Biliary atresia; ICG; Indocyanine green; Kasai portoenterostomy; Near-infrared fluorescence imaging.