Is there a place for endoscopic management in postcholecystectomy iatrogenic bile duct injuries?

In this editorial we comment on the article by Emara et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.Previously,surgery was the primary treatment for bile duct injuries(BDI).The treatment of BDI has advanced due to technological breakthroughs and minimally invasive procedures.Endoscopic and percutaneous treatments have largely supplanted surgery as the primary treatment for most instances in recent years.Patient management,including the specific technique,is typically impacted by local knowledge and the kind and severity of the injury.Endoscopic therapy is a highly successful treatment for postoperative benign bile duct stenosis and offers superior long-term outcomes compared to surgical correction.Based on the damage features of BDI,therapeutic options include endoscopic duodenal papillary sphincterotomy,endoscopic nasobiliary drainage,and endoscopic biliary stent implantation.

Post-cholecystectomy iatrogenic bile duct injuries:Emerging role for endoscopic management

Post-cholecystectomy iatrogenic bile duct injuries(IBDIs),are not uncommon and although the frequency of IBDIs vary across the literature,the rates following the procedure of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are much higher than open cholecystectomy.These injuries caries a great burden on the patients,physicians and the health care systems and sometime are life-threatening.IBDIs are associated with different manifestations that are not limited to abdominal pain,bile leaks from the surgical drains,peritonitis with fever and sometimes jaundice.Such injuries if not witnessed during the surgery,can be diagnosed by combining clinical manifestations,biochemical tests and imaging techniques.Among such techniques abdominal US is usually the first choice while Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography seems the most appropriate.Surgical approach was the ideal approach for such cases,however the introduction of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography(ERCP)was a paradigm shift in the management of such injuries due to accepted success rates,lower cost and lower rates of associated morbidity and mortality.However,the literature lacks consensus for the optimal timing of ERCP intervention in the management of IBDIs.ERCP management of IBDIs can be tailored according to the nature of the underlying injury.For the subgroup of patients with complete bile duct ligation and lost ductal continuity,transfer to surgery is indicated without delay.Those patients will not benefit from endoscopy and hence should not do unnecessary ERCP.For low–flow leaks e.g.gallbladder bed leaks,conservative management for 1-2 wk prior to ERCP is advised,in contrary to high-flow leaks e.g.cystic duct leaks and stricture lesions in whom early ERCP is encouraged.Sphincterotomy plus stenting is the ideal management line for cases of IBDIs.Interventional radiologic techniques are promising options especially for cases of failed endoscopic repair and also for cases with altered anatomy.Future studies will solve many unsolved issues in the management of IBDIs.

Isolated right posterior bile duct injury following cholecystectomy:Report of two cases

Anatomic variations of the right biliary system are one of the most common risk factors for sectoral bile duct injury(BDI)during cholecystectomy.Isolated right posterior BDI may in particular be a challenge for both diagnosis and management.Herein we describe two cases of isolated right posterior sectoral BDI that took place during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Despite effective external biliary drainage from the liver hilum in both cases,there was a persistent biliary leak observed which was not visible on endoscopic retrogradecholangiogram.Careful evaluation of images from both endoscopic and magnetic resonance cholangiograms revealed the diagnosis of an isolated right posterior sectoral BDI.These were treated with a delayed bisegmental(segments 6 and 7)liver resection and a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy respectively with good outcomes at 24 and 4 mo of follow-up.This paper discusses strategies for prevention of such injuries along with the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges it offers.

Classification of iatrogenic bile duct injury

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic bile duct injury continues to be an important clinical problem, resulting in serious morbidity, and occasional mortality, to patients. The ease of management, operative risk, and outcome of bile duct injuries vary considerably, and are highly dependent on the type of injury and its location. This article reviews the various classification systems of bile duct injury. DATA SOURCES: A Medline, PubMed database search was performed to identify relevant articles using the keywords 'bile duct injury', 'cholecystectomy', and 'classification'. Additional papers were identified by a manual search of the references from the key articles. RESULTS: Traditionally, biliary injuries have been classified using the Bismuth's classification. This classification, which originated from the era of open surgery, is intended to help the surgeons to choose the appropriate technique for the repair, and it has a good correlation with the final outcome after surgical repair. However, the Bismuth's classification does not encompass the whole spectrum of injuries that are possible. Bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy tends to be more severe than those with open cholecystectomy. Strasberg's classification made Bismuth's classification much more comprehensive by including various other types of extrahepatic bile duct injuries. Our group, Bergman et al, Neuhaus et al, Csendes et al, and Stewart et al have also proposed other classification systems to complement the Bismuth's classification. CONCLUSIONS: None of the classification system is universally accepted as each has its own limitation. Hopefully, a universally accepted comprehensive classification system will be published in the near future.

Non-image diagnosis of bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective: To evaluate the role of simple non-imagetechnique in intraoperative diagnosis of bile duct in-jury (BDI).Methods: BDI was highly suspected at the original la-paroscopic cholecystectomy (LC) when the following 3abnormal findings were noted: the 'cystic duct' stump(the common bile duct stump actually) markedly re-tracted down to the duodenum; bile leakage from theporta hepatis; abnormal mucosal patch attached to the'cystic duct' stump of the removed gallbladder. Allcases of suspected BDI were converted to have laparo-tomy. Image techniques such as intraoperative cholan-giography or ultrasonography were not utilized forrecognition of BDI in all 9 patients.Results: BDI in 4 of the 9 patients was suspected ac-cording to 1-3 abnormal intraoperative findings de-scribed above. The four patients were subjected imme-diately to converted laparotomy. Abnormal findingswere not observed or misinterpreted in the other 5misdiagnosed patients.Conclusions: Timely recognizing whether BDI occursshould be considered as a routine procedure ofLC. Negligence of operators to the abnormalities of theoriginal LC, is the main cause of misdiagnosis forBDL. Simple non-image approaches such as close ob-servation of these abnormalities can make timely diag-nosis for most BDIs during the original LC.

The Clinical Analysis of Bile Duct Injury during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The study was to improve surgical safety and reduce the incidence of bile duct injury (BDI) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The clinical information of 31 cases with bile duct injury during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) was analyzed retrospectively. Thirty patients with bile duct injury were divided into 5 types according to Bismuth typing, including: type I 9 cases, type II 12 cases, type III 4 cases, type IV 3 cases, type V 3 cases. After median follow-up of 48 months, 30 (97%) patients are alive and 29 (94%) remain in good general condition with normal liver function. One patient died from acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC). One patient appeared to have pain under the xiphoid that was resolved after 3 months. Recurrent strictures following repair have developed in two (6%) patients with high injuries combined with right hepatic arterial injury. Appropriate surgical indications, handling Calot triangle carefully and correctly, and conversion to open surgery at the right moment are the keys of prevention and treatment of bile duct injury during LC.

Initial management of suspected biliary injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Although rare,iatrogenic bile duct injury(BDI)after laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be devastating to the patient.The cornerstones for the initial management of BDI are early recognition,followed by modern imaging and evaluation of injury severity.Tertiary hepato-biliary centre care with a multidisciplinary approach is crucial.The diagnostics of BDI commences with a multiphase abdominal computed tomography scan,and when the biloma is drained or a surgical drain is put in place,the diagnosis is set with the help of bile drain output.To visualize the leak site and biliary anatomy,the diagnostics is supplemented with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.The location and severity of the bile duct lesion and concomitant injuries to the hepatic vascular system are evaluated.Most often,a combination of percutaneous and endoscopic methods is used for control of contamination and bile leak.Generally,the next step is endoscopic retrograde cholangiography(ERC)for downstream control of the bile leak.ERC with insertion of a stent is the treatment of choice in most mild bile leaks.The surgical option of re-operation and its timing should be discussed in cases where an endoscopic and percutaneous approach is not sufficient.The patient's failure to recover properly in the first days after laparoscopic cholecystectomy should immediately raise suspicion of BDI and this merits immediate investigation.Early consultation and referral to a dedicated hepatobiliary unit are essential for the best outcome.

Factors influencing the results of treatment of bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: The short-term results of repair of lapa- roscopic bile duct injuries have been well discussed, but the long-term results have been rarely reported. This study was undertaken to evaluate the factors influencing the outcome of repair of bile duct injuries caused by laparoscopic chole- cystectomy. METHODS: The outcomes of repair of bile duct injuries caused by laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 31 patients were reviewed retrospectively, and the effects of injury recogni- tion, cholangiography, repair modality and techniques on the long-term results were analyzed. RESULTS: Bile duct injuries were repaired successfully in 19 (95%) of 20 patients with injuries who had been recog- nized intraoperatively, and in 10 (90%) of 11 patients with injuries who had been recognized postoperatively. Repair was successful in 29 (93% ) of the 31 patients after complete cholangiography. Closure of partial division, laceration, or small perforation of the bile duct with or without T tube drainage was satisfactory in the 23 patients. End to end re- pair over T tube was successful in 2 transection patients, who were detected intraoperatively. Roux-en-Y hepatico- jejunostomy was used successfully to repair transection, ex- cision or stricture of the bile duct in 4 of 5 patients (80% ). CONCLUSION: Early detection of bile duct injuries caused by laparoscopy, complete evaluation of the biliary duct, and appropriate surgical modality and techniques are help- ful to improve the results of repair for laparoscopic bile duct injuries.

Management of bile duct injuries combined with accessory hepatic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Bile duct injuries(BDIs)are difficult to avoid absolutely when the biliary tract has a malformation,such as accessory hepatic duct.Here,we investigated the management strategies for BDI combined with accessory hepatic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Timing of surgical repair of bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND The surgical management of bile duct injuries(BDIs)after laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)is challenging and the optimal timing of surgery remains unclear.The primary aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the evidence behind the timing of BDI repair after LC in the literature.AIM To assess timing of surgical repair of BDI and postoperative complications.METHODS The MEDLINE,EMBASE,and The Cochrane Library databases were systematically screened up to August 2021.Risk of bias was assessed via the Newcastle Ottawa scale.The primary outcomes of this review included the timing of BDI repair and postoperative complications.RESULTS A total of 439 abstracts were screened,and 24 studies were included with 15609 patients included in this review.Of the 5229 BDIs reported,4934(94%)were classified as major injury.Timing of bile duct repair was immediate(14%,n=705),early(28%,n=1367),delayed(28%,n=1367),or late(26%,n=1286).Standardization of definition for timing of repair was remarkably poor among studies.Definitions for immediate repair ranged from<24 h to 6 wk after LC while early repair ranged from<24 h to 12 wk.Likewise,delayed(>24 h to>12 wk after LC)and late repair(>6 wk after LC)showed a broad overlap.CONCLUSION The lack of standardization among studies precludes any conclusive recommendation on optimal timing of BDI repair after LC.This finding indicates an urgent need for a standardized reporting system of BDI repair.

Iatrogenic extrahepatic bile duct injury in 182 patients: causes and management

Objective: To describe the causes and treatment ofiatrogenic bile duct injury caused by cholecystecto-my.Methods: 182 patients with iatrogenic extrahepaticbile duct injury from 4 university hospitals of Chinawere reviewed. Details of primary cholecystectomy,biliary reconstruction as well as postoperative ma-nagement were recorded. All patients were followedup for at least 6 months (6 months to 9 years, medi-an 3.5 years). The adequacy of repair was assessedby regular evaluation of the patients clinical statusand liver function variables. Hepatobiliary B-ultra-sonography was used routinely in the follow up of pa-tients, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatog-raphy was applied in the patients suggestive of abnor-mality.Results: In 152 patients, bile duct injury happenedduring open cholecystectomy, and in 30 patients dur-ing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All the injuries de-veloped during anterograde cholecystectomy (at theCalot’s triangle). All the patients with these injuriesunderwent choledochocholedochostomy or Roux-en-Ycholedochojejunostomy with good results (161 pa-tients), recurrent stricture (11), and death (10).Conclusions: During cholecystectomy, the Calot’s tri-angle should be identified anatomically, but retro-grade cholecystectomy is the optimal choice. Bileduct injury should be discovered as soon as possibleand be managed timely. Different operative methodsare optional according to the degree of injury and thepostoperative period.

Recovery from a biliary stricture of a common bile duct ligature injury:A case report

BACKGROUND Cholecystectomy is a common elective procedure for cholecystic diseases,including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.Common bile duct injury is a major complication in both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC).The number of cholecystectomies performed has increased due to popularization and application of the laparoscopic technique,which has led to an increase in the number of bile duct injuries.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old man presented to the General Surgery Department with a complaint of repeated right upper quadrant pain for 2 years that had worsened over the previous day.The patient had a history of gallstones and hypertension.A LC was performed;it was found that a biliary stricture of 53 h duration was caused by a ligature injury of the common bile duct during the LC.Another laparoscopic exploration was performed,and the stricture was released.CONCLUSION LC is a common surgical procedure,but if a complication occurs,it is important for the surgeon to consider another exploratory surgery.

Pattern of Presentation of Iatrogenic Biliary Injury Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Cholecystectomy is one of the most now common abdominal surgeries performed every day. The incidence of bile duct injury (BDI) following open cholecystectomy is only 0.1% - 0.2%. After the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the incidence has gone up to 0.4% - 0.7%. The present study is a prospective analysis of all patients with bile duct injury who were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital during or at a variable period following cholecystectomy. Methods: To determine the pattern of presentation of iatrogenic biliary injury following cholecystectomy in the department of surgery of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a total of 30 patients were purposively selected from May 2018 to November 2018. Patient particulars, records of physical and clinical evaluation, and operative details were collected by individual researchers. Data analysis was done by SPSS for windows version 21. Results: BDI was found very common among the age group 21 - 30 yrs (36%) and female dominant (60%). Majority of the patients presented with abdominal pain (96%), intra-abdominal collection (88%), biliary peritonitis (68%), cholangitis (60%), and obstructive jaundice (40%), and biliary fistula (40%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (84%) was the principal cause of biliary injury in our study. 48% of patients experienced clinical features within 7 days post-cholecystectomy. Per-operative diagnosis was done in only 12% of cases. 44% of patients in this study were recognized as Bismuth grade-3, followed by 36%, grade-2 patients. Management outcomes included wound infection (41.66%), minor bile leak (25%), peritonitis (8.33%), and renal impairment (8.33%). Conclusion: The effect of BDI is an extremely distressful clinical condition for the patients and their family members, hence proper care and management protocol should be followed.

Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injuries after Cholecystectomy, Is the Laparoscopic Approach a Good Idea?

Objective: The treatment of iatrogenic bile duct injuries is still a challenge for hepatobiliary and general surgeons. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, one of the most appropriate techniques for the treatment of circumferential lesions, either occurring less than 2 cm from the bifurcation or in the bifurcation of the common hepatic duct, requires experience in advanced laparoscopy and hepatobiliary surgery. This study aims to present the results of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (LHJ) for the treatment of iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI). Methods: A retrospective study analyzing the medical records of patients diagnosed with IBDI and treated using LHJ of patients at the Hospital S?o José do Avaí (HSJA). Sex, age, previous cholecystectomy technique, signs and symptoms, postoperative complications, length of stay, injury classification, and time elapsed from injury to diagnosis were analyzed. Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or intraoperative cholangiography. Results: From March 2006 to December 2018, six patients underwent LHJ. In five cases (83.33%), the primary operation was a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and in one patient (13.66%) open cholecystectomy. The most frequent clinical sign was jaundice. The mean surgical time was 153.2 minutes (range: 115 to 206 minutes), and the hospital stay was 3 to 7 days (mean: 4.16 days). One patient had infection of the umbilical trocar incision and one patient presented with stenosis of the hepaticojejunal anastomosis and was treated with radioscopic pneumatic dilatation. Conclusion: LHJ for circumferential and total IBDI either diagnosed early (during surgery) or late, may be a safe and effective option, with similar results to the conventional technique, a low complication rate and all the known advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

Alterations in fibrinolytic system proteins PAI-1,MMP-3,MMP-8,TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury

Introduction: In bile duct injuries (BDI), cholestasis and cholangitis can alter the fibrinolytic system by promoting an increase of extracellular matrix depositions which favor an imbalance between metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Materials and Methods: Levels of PAI-1, MMP-3, MMP-8, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in 35 patients with post-cholecystectomy BDI by complete biliary obstruction were measured and compared to a healthy control group. Sirius red staining and immune staining for MMP-3 and MMP-8 were also undertaken in liver biopsies. Results: Levels of PAI-1, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and MMP-8 were higher in BDI than healthy controls: 15 ± 2 ng/mL vs 7.1 ± 2 ng/mL (p 0.024);539 ± 64 ng/mL vs 256 ± 13 ng/mL (p p p 2 vs. 22865.7 ± 3865 μm2 in healthy controls (p 2 vs. 30744.2 ± 5810.2 μm2 (p 2 vs. 116337.9 ± 24803.3 μm2 (p 0.55). These results suggest an imbalance between fibrogenic/fibrinolytic protein levels. Interestingly, expression of the fibrinolytic protein MMP-8 was increased in serum and liver biopsies in BDI. Conclusion: We found an imbalance of profibrogenic molecules which promote extracellular matrix deposition. The over-expression of fibrinolytic proteins such as MMP-8 could limit liver fibrosis, preventing hepatic dysfunction in post-cholecystectomy BDI.

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries from biliary tract surgery

BACKGROUND:Cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed procedure in general surgery.However,bile duct injury is a rare but still one of the most common complications.These injuries sometimes present variably after primary surgery.Timely detection and appropriate management decrease the morbidity and mortality of the operation. METHODS:Five cases of iatrogenic bile duct injury(IBDI) were managed at the Department of Surgery,First Affiliated Hospital,Xi’an Jiaotong University.All the cases who underwent both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy had persistent injury to the biliary tract and were treated accordingly. RESULTS:Recovery of the patients was uneventful.All patients were followed-up at the surgical outpatient department for six months to three years.So far the patients have shown good recovery. CONCLUSIONS:In cases of IBDI it is necessary to perform the operation under the supervision of an experienced surgeon who is specialized in the repair of bile duct injuries,and it is also necessary to detect and treat the injury as soon as possible to obtain a satisfactory outcome.

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries:Etiology,diagnosis and management

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) remain an important problem in gastrointestinal surgery. They are most frequently caused by laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is one of the commonest surgical procedures in the world. The early and proper diagnosis of IBDI is very important for surgeons and gastroenterologists, because unrecognized IBDI lead to serious complications such as biliary cirrhosis, hepatic failure and death. Laboratory and radiological investigations play an important role in the diagnosis of biliary injuries. There are many classifications of IBDI. The most popular and simple classification of IBDI is the Bismuth scale. Endoscopic techniques are recommended for initial treatment of IBDI. When endoscopic treatment is not effective, surgical management is considered. Different surgical reconstructions are performed in patients with IBDI. According to the literature, Roux- en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is the most frequent surgical reconstruction and recommended by most authors. In the opinion of some authors, a more physiological and equally effective type of reconstruction is end- to-end ductal anastomosis. Long term results are the most important in the assessment of the effectiveness of IBDI treatment. There are a few classifications for the long term results in patients treated for IBDI; the Terblanche scale, based on clinical biliary symptoms, is regarded as the most useful classification. Proper diagnosis and treatment of IBDI may avoid many serious complications and improve quality of life.

Three-dimensional identification of the cystic infundibulum-cystic duct junction: a technique for identification of the cystic duct in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE: The main cause of bile duct injury (BDI) at laparoscopic cholecystectomy is misidentification of the common bile duct as the cystic duct (CD). The aim of this article is to introduce a modified technique, i. e., three-dimensional identification of the cystic infundibulum (CI)-CD junction, to prevent misidentification-induced BDI during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: The Cl was extensively dissected to expose its anterior, interior-superior and inferior-dorsal aspects. With the CI nearly circularly dissected out, the CI and the appearance-indicated CI-CD junction might be three-dimensionally identified and the reality of the CI-CD junction as well as the reality of the CD could be precisely judged. RESULTS: Overall 10 BDIs were documented in this group. Since BDI occurred in 8 of 4382 patients receiving laparoscopic cholecyxtectomy, the technique for prevention of mixidentification-induced BDI was established. Among the late batch of 7618 patients, only two BDIs were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional identification of the CI-CD junction is a reliable, feasible and relatively low experience-dependent technique to prevent most of misidentification-induced BDI.

Microvessel density at different levels of normal or injured bile duct in dogs and its surgical implications

BACKGROUND:Ischemic recurrent stricture after surgical repair for iatrogenic bile duct injury(BDI)remains a challenge in clinical practice.The present study was designed to investigate whether ischemia is universal and of varied severity at different levels of the proximal bile duct after BDI. METHODS:A total of 30 beagle dogs were randomly divided into control,BDI,and BDI-repaired groups.The BDI animal model was established based on the classic pattern of laparoscopic cholecystectomy-related BDI.The animals were sacrificed on postoperative day 15,and bile duct tissue was harvested to assess microvessel density(MVD)at selected levels of the normal,post-BDI and BDI-repaired bile duct with the CD34 immunohistochemistry technique. RESULTS:In the control group,MVD at level H(high level) was remarkably higher than that at level L(low level).No significant difference was found between MVDs at levels H and M(middle level),as well as at levels M and L.However, the tendency was noted that the closer the level to the hilus, the greater the MVD at that level.In both the BDI and BDI-repaired groups,MVDs at level H were generally greater than those at level L,despite the unremarkable differences between MVDs at neighboring levels.In these two groups,a similar tendency of MVD distribution to that in the control group was found;the closer the level to the injury site,the lower was the MVD at that level.Moreover,compared with the MDVs at the levels M and L in the control group,MVDs at the corresponding levels in the BDI and BDI-repaired groups were all remarkably reduced(P<0.05).In addition,MVDs at all three levels in the BDI group significantly declined further after BDI repair.CONCLUSIONS:After BDI,universal ischemic damage in the injured proximal bile duct develops close to the injury site, while close to the hilus,ischemia is relatively slight.High hepaticojejunostomy,rather than low biloenterostomy or end-to-end duct anastomosis,should be recommended for BDI repair.Great care should be taken to protect the peribiliary plexus during repair.

Near-infrared cholangiography with intragallbladder indocyanine green injection in minimally invasive cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in adult and paediatric populations.Despite the advances made in intraoperative biliary anatomy recognition,iatrogenic bile duct injuries during LC represent a fatal complication and consist an economic burden for healthcare systems.A series of methods have been proposed to prevent bile duct injury,among them the use of indocyanine green(ICG)fluorescence.The most commonly reported method of ICG injection is the intravenous administration,while literature is lacking studies investigating the direct intragallbladder ICG injection.This narrative mini-review aims to assess the potential applications,usefulness,and limitations of intragallbladder ICG fluorescence in LC.Authors screened the available international literature to identify the reports of intragallbladder ICG fluorescence imaging in minimally invasive cholecystectomy,as well as special issues regarding its use.Literature search retrieved four prospective cohort studies,three case-control studies,and one case report.In the three case-control studies selected,intragallbladder near-infrared cholangiography(NIRC)was compared with standard LC under white light,with intravenous administration of ICG for NIRC and with standard intraoperative cholangiography(IOC).In total,133 patients reported in the literature have been administered intragallbladder ICG administration for biliary mapping during LC.Literature includes several reports of intragallbladder ICG administration,but a standardized technique has not been established yet.Published data suggest that NIRC with intragallbladder ICG injection is a promising method to achieve biliary mapping,overwhelming limitations of IOC including intervention and radiation exposure,as well as the high hepatic parenchyma signal and time interval needed in intravenous ICG fluorescence.Evidence-based guidelines on the role of intragallbladder ICG fluorescence in LC require the assessment of further studies and multicenter data collection into large registries.