Indocyanine Green Liver Resection: Two Cases – Cureus
- A recent case series demonstrates the effectiveness of using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging to guide the surgical removal of mesenchymal hamartomas, a rare benign liver tumor.The technique...
- Indocyanine green is a dye administered intravenously that selectively highlights tumor tissue when viewed under near-infrared light.
- Two patients with mesenchymal hamartomas underwent surgical resection guided by ICG fluorescence imaging.In both cases, the technique successfully delineated the tumor margins, enabling complete removal of the hamartoma...
Fluorescence-guided Surgery Improves Liver Tumor Removal
Table of Contents
Published September 14, 2025
Enhanced Resection of Mesenchymal hamartomas
A recent case series demonstrates the effectiveness of using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging to guide the surgical removal of mesenchymal hamartomas, a rare benign liver tumor.The technique allows surgeons to more precisely identify tumor margins during resection, potentially improving outcomes adn minimizing the removal of healthy tissue.
How ICG Works
Indocyanine green is a dye administered intravenously that selectively highlights tumor tissue when viewed under near-infrared light. This fluorescence allows surgeons to differentiate between the tumor and surrounding healthy liver parenchyma. The enhanced visualization is notably valuable in cases where the tumor boundaries are not clearly defined through conventional surgical techniques.
Case Study Findings
Two patients with mesenchymal hamartomas underwent surgical resection guided by ICG fluorescence imaging.In both cases, the technique successfully delineated the tumor margins, enabling complete removal of the hamartoma while preserving maximal healthy liver tissue. This approach is particularly beneficial given the potential for these tumors to be large and deeply embedded within the liver.
Implications for Surgical Oncology
The accomplished request of ICG fluorescence imaging in these cases suggests its potential as a valuable tool in the surgical management of othre liver tumors and potentially other solid organ malignancies.Precise tumor margin identification is crucial for minimizing recurrence rates and improving long-term patient survival. Further research and broader clinical adoption are warranted to fully assess the benefits of this technique.