ePoster
Presentation Description
Institution: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Westmead Hospital - New South Wales, Australia
Purpose
Ureteric injury is a feared complication in colorectal surgery. Intraoperative identification of the ureter is a key step in preventing injury. However, anomalous genitourinary anatomy is common and may increase the risk of inadvertent injury, with duplication of the ureter present in up to 6% of patients. Novel techniques may need to be explored in cases where there are challenges in ureteric identification.
Methodology
A 54-year-old man underwent a laparoscopic anterior resection for recurrent sigmoid diverticulitis. Attempts to visualise the left ureter were unsuccessful due to dense adhesions and obesity. Therefore, an intraoperative retrograde urethrogram was required. This demonstrated a partially duplicated collecting system, with two renal pelvices converging into a single intact ureter which entered the bladder at a single ureteric orifice. A ureteric stent was placed, however the left ureter still could not be visualised. As such, the decision was made to use intraureteral administration of a fluorescent dye, indocyanine green (ICG). This was detected laparoscopically using a near-infrared camera.
Results
Intraureteral ICG revealed two distinct tubular fluorescent structures representing duplicated ureters, which were not visible on the retrograde urethrogram. Both branches of the bifid ureter were narrow in calibre, which accounted for difficulties in its identification. With ICG, the duplicated ureter was traced to its distal lateral location and protected. There were no adverse events from ICG administration. The ureteric stent was removed immediately post-operatively. The patient experienced mild haematuria post-stent removal, with an otherwise uncomplicated postoperative recovery.
Conclusion
Intraureteral ICG is a safe and effective method for intraoperative identification of the ureter, and should be considered particularly in cases where unfavourable anatomy or dense inflammatory adhesions prevent adequate visualisation and safe dissection.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Dr Jessica Falon - , Mr Fahaad Ahmed - , Dr Sanjna Vijayakumar - , Dr Edgardo Solis - , Dr Joseph Choi - , Prof James Toh -
