Clinical Report: Outcomes of Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with ICG

Overview

This study evaluates the outcomes of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent cholangiography performed by junior surgeons.

Background

Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment for acute cholecystitis, a common surgical emergency. Complications, particularly bile duct injury, are a significant concern, especially when procedures are performed by less experienced surgeons. The introduction of ICG fluorescent cholangiography aims to enhance visualization of biliary structures, potentially improving surgical outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• ICG group had a significantly shorter operative time (65 min) compared to non-ICG group (72.5 min, P = 0.007).
• No significant differences in bile duct injury incidence between ICG and non-ICG groups.
• Conversion to open surgery rates were similar in both groups.
• Postoperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups.
• ICG use was identified as an independent factor associated with decreased operative time.

Clinical Implications

The use of ICG fluorescent cholangiography does not appear to increase the risk of complications.

Conclusion

Incorporating ICG fluorescent cholangiography in emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by junior surgeons can lead to reduced operative times.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers, Frontiers in Surgery, 2026 -- Surgical outcomes of indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography in emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by junior surgeons for acute cholecystitis
2. Updates in Surgery, 2023 -- Assessment of the Ideal Indocyanine Green Dosage for Real-Time Fluorescent Cholangiography in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Utilizing an Ultra-High-Definition 4K Fluorescent System: A Randomized Controlled Study
3. Surgical Endoscopy, 2021 -- Fluorescent Cholangiography with Indocyanine Green (ICG) Utilizing RUBINA™ Technology During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Initial Findings from Two Pediatric Surgical Centers
4. Guideline EAES clinical practice guideline on the management of acute cholecystitis: with ESAIC and ESR, 2025
5. Utilizing Indocyanine Green Fluorescence for Preoperative Strategy and Real-Time Navigation During Robotic Liver Surgery
6. Surgical Endoscopy (Springer) — Clinical outcomes of immediate, 24-h, and 24–72-h laparoscopic cholecystectomy after endoscopic stone clearance: a matched cohort analysis
7. Guideline EAES clinical practice guideline on the management of acute cholecystitis: with ESAIC and ESR
8. Indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed
9. Frontiers | Surgical outcomes of indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography in emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by junior surgeons for acute cholecystitis