A RECENT multicentre study has demonstrated that atomized inhalation of indocyanine green (ICG) before surgery can significantly improve outcomes for children undergoing thoracoscopic surgery to treat intralobar pulmonary sequestration. This technique, which involves inhaling a 0.5 mg/kg solution of ICG, provides a clear view of the lung lesions, allowing surgeons to precisely locate and remove diseased tissue while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible.
The study included 134 paediatric patients, who were split evenly into two groups: one group received the ICG inhalation prior to surgery, while the other underwent traditional surgery without ICG. Both groups were carefully matched for age and lesion location to ensure comparable baselines. Intraoperative observations and postoperative recovery data showed that the ICG group experienced notable benefits, particularly in recovery times and lung function.
Patients who received ICG inhalation had significantly shorter postoperative chest drainage times, averaging 53 hours compared to 73 hours in the traditional surgery group. Additionally, the ICG group had shorter hospital stays, averaging 4.8 days compared to 6.7 days in the control group. Follow-up assessments conducted 3 to 6 months after surgery, including lung CT scans and pulmonary function tests, confirmed that patients in the ICG group had better lung function post-surgery than those in the traditional group.
No adverse effects or complications were reported in either group, and all patients were free from residual lesions as verified by CT scans. These findings suggest that ICG inhalation is both safe and effective, enhancing the precision of lesion resection while supporting a faster and smoother recovery.
This innovative use of ICG inhalation may represent a valuable advancement in paediatric thoracic surgery, offering a method to optimise lung preservation and improve patient outcomes. By enabling clearer visualisation of affected areas, this approach maximises normal lung tissue preservation, reduces recovery time, and supports better postoperative lung function, key factors in improving the quality of life for paediatric patients with lung conditions.
Reference
Yin Y et al. Atomized inhalation of indocyanine green in thoracoscopic surgery for intralobar pulmonary sequestration: a multicenter study. Respir Res. 2024; DOI:10.1186/s12931-024-03024-5.