Post-operative anastomotic leaks (AL) are one of the most challenging complications of bariatric surgery and can be detrimental. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescence dye that can provide a real-time intraoperative assessment of organ tissue perfusion. Its use in bariatric operations is still being debated. The present review aims to evaluate the intraoperative utility of ICG during bariatric surgery to focus future research on a reliable tool to reduce the incidence of postoperative leaks.
Methods A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for published studies took place until December 2024, evaluating the use of ICG during bariatric surgical procedures. Studies were included if they assessed the ICG application in various bariatric operations to prevent and reduce AL rates.
Results Eleven studies were included, which involved a total of 887 patients. 643 patients underwent ICG-based intraoperative assessments, while 244 were in the control group. The mean age of participants was 43.8 years, and the mean BMI was 43.3 kg/m3. All included patients underwent various bariatric procedures. ICG was used alone in most studies, although it was mixed with methylene blue in one study. ICG administration protocols varied significantly. There were no reported complications from ICG administration. The utility of ICG has changed the intraoperative surgical decision-making of 4.2% of patients.
Conclusions ICG is a promising technique for successfully preventing or timely managing AL in bariatric surgery. Large, randomised controlled studies are needed to confirm its utility for routine use in primary and revisional bariatric cases.
