ICG Fluorescence Guided Lymph Node Mapping for Determination of Bowel Resection Margins in Colon Cancer

The study is aimed at investigating feasibility of defining colon resection margins for colon cancer with ICG by comparing lymphatic distribution of subserosally injected dye with actual spread of lymphatic metastases reported by pathologists after specimen examination

In this study 2.5 mg/ml indocyanine green solution is injected subserosally into colonic wall near the tumour in 4 points (1 ml each). The fluorescence is assessed before specimen removal (at least 30 min after injection) and its mesenteric distribution is marked by surgeon on the specimen. Proximal and distal colonic resection margins are chosen to be at least 10 cm long and to include the whole area of fluorescence. After removal, lymphatic node groups according JSCCR are also marked on fresh specimen. During pathological examination each lymph node is assessed not only for presence of metastases but also for its exact location in relation to margins of indocyanine distribution.