We are proud to be the first hospital on the Mornington Peninsula to use cutting-edge fluorescence technology in a recent laparoscopic gall bladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), performed by Dr Ali Andrabi.
Before surgery, a green fluorophore drug called Indocyanine Green (ICG) was administered to the patient intravenously, which enhanced Dr Andrabi’s ability to differentiate critical anatomical structures in real-time during the operation. While the ICG is not visible to the naked eye, it appears green when viewed through a fluorescent laser light built into the hospital’s new Stryker camera system, offering the surgeon precise visualisation of anatomy.
“This technology has transformed how we approach complex surgeries,” said Dr Andrabi. “During this case, the patient’s unique anatomy made it difficult to place the cholangiography catheter, but the use of ICG allowed me to visualise the critical structures in real-time, making the procedure safer and more precise.”
“The new technology enabled me to better assess the patient’s biliary anatomy and identify potential anomalies, which can often be challenging to detect using traditional HD imaging,” said Dr Andrabi.
ICG fluorescence technology has a wide range of applications across various medical specialties, including gynaecology, colorectal, thoracic, hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB), oncology, breast, and endocrine surgery. For laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it significantly aids in identifying the critical view of safety, providing a clearer view of bile ducts and surrounding tissues.
The use of ICG in this surgery represents a major advancement for The Bays Hospital, positioning it at the forefront of medical innovation on the Peninsula. The uptake of this technology is rapidly expanding across hospitals in Melbourne and Australia, and this successful procedure is a proud achievement for both The Bays and the local healthcare community.