Identified sentinel lymph node in patient with bladder cancer by using intraoperative injection of indocyanine green during laparoscopic radical cystectomy-single center experience

Purpose: Pelvic lymph node dissection has been known as the standard procedure in patient with muscle invasive bladder cancer during radical cystectomy. Our purpose is to map the sentinel lymph node by intraoperatively injecting indocyanine green (ICG) which can be detected by near-infrared (NIR).

Materials and Methods: This study included 10 patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. ICG solution was administrated serosally around the tumor. NIR was used to detect the ICG intake area. Extended pelvic lymph node dissection was performed.

Results: Intra-operative ICG injection peritumorally could achieve well identification of sentinel lymph node not only in-vivo but also ex-vivo. Extended lymph node dissection during operation was performed. In compare with pathology report, perioperative fluorescence could make well mapping of lymph node. There was no complication during ICG injection.

Conclusion: Using intraoperative ICG injection can safely and successfully achieve sentinel lymph node mapping. However, further clinical study with large patient number may be needed.