[ICG angiography in prevention of colorectal anastomotic leakage]

To evaluate the effectiveness of indocyanine green fluorescence angiography in assessment of colorectal anastomosis perfusion.

A prospective single-center non-randomized comparative study included 85 patients with rectum and sigmoid colon cancer between September 2019 and March 2023. In the main group (n=41), we intraoperatively injected indocyanine green (ICG) IV to assess perfusion in the near infrared spectrum. In the control group (n=44), the same interventions were performed without ICG.

In the main group, anterior resection of the rectum was performed in 23 (56.1%) patients with neoplasms of distal sigmoid colon and rectosigmoid tumors. Low anterior resection was performed in 18 (43.9%) cases. In the control group, the same procedures were carried out in 24 (54.5%) and 20 (45.5%) patients, respectively. After mobilization of the colon and ICG injection, we corrected resection line in 4 cases. As soon as anastomosis was formed and blood supply was controlled by ICG fluorescence angiography, we performed a water-bubble test to detect anastomotic leakage. Positive tests were detected in 4 (9.8%) and 5 (11.4%) patients of both groups, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in 10 (24.4%) and 11 (27.3%) patients, respectively (p=0.94). Anastomosis failure was found in 1 and 7 patients, respectively. Anastomotic leakage grade «B» was significantly more common in the control group (2.4 and 13.6%, respectively, p=0.06). Anastomotic leaks were absent in all 4 patients who underwent resection level adjustment after intraoperative ICG angiography.

Fluorescent luminescence will qualitatively improve intraoperative diagnosis of hypoperfusion of resection edges. Undoubtedly, this will reduce the incidence of colorectal anastomotic leaks caused by ischemia of large bowel wall.