Background: Ureteral injury during laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a rare but serious complication with a reported incidence rate of 0.66%. The early detection and prevention of ureteral injury is clinically relevant and important. The successful use of preclinical near-infrared fluorophore CW800-CA for real-time intraoperative identification of the anatomical course of the ureters with the use of a laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system is reported.
Methods: The usefulness of this new imaging technique was explored in two 35-kg pigs. Intravenous CW800-CA was administered 10 minutes before fluorescence imaging was conducted with the use of a commercially available laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system.
Results: A dose of 1 mg/mL CW800-CA (bolus injection of 3 mL) provided clear delineation of the course of both ureters by using the fluorescence mode of the laparoscope. There were no adverse reactions to the injected dye.
Conclusion: Near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy of the ureters, following intravenous CW800-CA administration, is easily applicable and provides real-time identification of the course of the ureters.