What is Florescence Guided Surgery?
Fluorescence-guided cancer surgery uses fluorescent dyes to highlight cancer cells during surgery. This allows, surgeons to better visualize tumors during dissection and improve accuracy of tumor margin determination, detection of involved lymph nodes and assess vascular perfusion of viscera and flaps. This potentially reduces the need for re-operation and helps improve overall patient outcomes. Most commonly used dye is Indo Cyanine Green (ICG) which is is injected into the patient in a prescribed dilution and dose. Once injected the dye accumulates in the tumor, making it visible under specific light conditions.
The dyes emit light under a specific wavelength, allowing the surgeon to see the tumor glow using near infra red camera. Florescence Guided Surgery can help identify small or hidden tumors that might be missed with traditional methods.
Applications of FGS
- Sentinel Node Biospy in Breast and Endometrial Cancer
- Detection of Parathyroid Gland in Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland Surgery
- Viability of Gastric Conduit in Esophageal Cancer Surgery
- Viability of Colonic Tune in Rectal Cancer Surgeryy
- Perfusion of Microvascualar Flaps in Reconstructive Surgery
- Localization of THoracic Duct in Thoracic Surgery