A groundbreaking surgical technique for bladder cancer treatment could transform urological oncology by utilizing fluorescent imaging to guide lymph node dissection. Researchers from Shanxi Medical University have demonstrated a method that significantly improves surgical accuracy and reduces procedure time.
The innovative approach involves injecting indocyanine green (ICG) into the lower limbs and perineum, allowing surgeons to track lymphatic pathways using a 4K fluorescent laparoscopic imaging system. In a study involving 54 patients, the technique reduced pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) surgery time by an average of 6.2 minutes and increased lymph node dissection accuracy from 75.91% to 93.41%.
Bladder cancer presents significant treatment challenges, with radical cystectomy being the primary intervention for invasive cases. The new technique addresses critical limitations in traditional surgical methods by providing real-time visual guidance, potentially minimizing risks of organ and nerve damage during lymph node removal.
Dr. Xiaofeng Yang, the study's principal investigator, emphasized the technique's potential to prevent cancer recurrence and improve patient survival rates. The method's precision in locating and excising pelvic lymph nodes represents a significant advancement in surgical oncology.
Beyond immediate surgical benefits, this approach could provide deeper insights into tumor metastasis and potentially be adapted for treating other cancers. The technique's ability to enhance visualization of lymphatic pathways may drive future research and treatment strategies, marking a pivotal moment in cancer surgical interventions.
