Fluorescence image-guided lymphadenectomy using indocyanine green and near infrared technology in robotic gastrectomy

Verify the feasibility and the role of a lymphadenectomy assisted by fluorescence imaging during robotic gastrectomy through two levels of investigation: 1) detecting the possible advantages of a fluorescence-guided surgery (“NavigationSurgery”); and 2) evaluating the possibility of consideringthe lymph nodes labeled by the ICG as a predictive factor of the state of tumor diffusion (“Targeted Surgery”). General design: to evaluate the role of fluorescence imaging during robotic lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. Type of study: prospective. Duration: 18 months. Inclusion criteria: cT1 - cT3, cN0. Experimental group: patients undergoing dissection assisted by ICG. Control group: patients undergoing the same surgery without the injection of ICG. Primary outcomes: Fluorescent lymph nodes (FLNs) identification rate, accuracy of the procedure, comparison with the control group on the total number of lymph nodes retrieved. Sample size: 20 patients in the experimental group, 20 patients in the control group. This is a study protocol. Up to date, the combined use of fluorescence imaging and robotic technology has not been adequately investigated during lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer. This project can pave the way for a new concept of lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer involving minimally invasive surgery. Patients could benefit from a more tailored approach to their disease