The intraoperative visualization of the bile ducts by the use of fluorescent substances. A feasibility study

Iatrogenic bile duct injury during cholecystectomy is the most serious complication of this surgical procedure. Initial reports suggest that this complication is particularly problematic during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Proper identification of biliary anatomy in the subhepatic region is the only way to avoid this severe complication. The potential benefit from a simple, reliable method for intraoperative delineation of biliary anatomy is self-evident. In this experimental work the Authors-study the possibility and the feasibility of intraoperative biliary tree imaging with two fluorescent molecules (rolitetracyclin and fluorescin).