Low Dose ICG for Biliary Tract and Tumor Imaging (ICG)

Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging after an intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG) allows for the intraoperative identification of liver anatomy. The investigators have new data that a much lower dose improves this visualization. Confirmation of this hypothesis would mean that ICG can be administered on the same day of surgery in order to augment real-time intraoperative visualization, thereby providing a safe, feasible, and cost-effective strategy for the surgical treatment of liver disease.

The investigators have a series of surgical cases in which the investigators have been able to achieve excellent intraoperative biliary visualization with a greatly decreased (50-200 fold lower) dose of ICG than the previously published dose. Furthermore, this decreased dose was visible in about 15-20 minutes from the time of injection with low liver background fluorescence, a significant improvement that would make its utilization in the operating room more practical. The investigators hypothesize that a lower dose will: 1) allow adequate visualization of the extrahepatic biliary tree, including the cystic, common hepatic, and common bile ducts. Confirmation of hypotheses would mean that a lower dose of ICG can be administered on the same day of surgery in order to augment real-time intraoperative localization of the extrahepatic biliary tree, thereby providing a safe, feasible, and cost-effective strategy for the surgical treatment of liver disease. The investigators intend to test our hypothesis with the following specific aims: Aim 1: To compare the efficacy and utility of a low dose ICG (0.05 mg) protocol with a previously published dose (2.5 mg) in imaging the extrahepatic biliary tract.

Adult patients scheduled to undergo a laparoscopic hepatic or biliary operation will be randomized to two groups 1) low dose (0.05 mg) or 2) standard dose (2.5 mg) of ICG preoperatively on the day of surgery. Patients with a history of adverse reactions or known allergy to ICG, iodine, or iodine dyes will be excluded.

To mask the investigator randomization will be done with envelopes for this study and the dose given to the patient prior to surgery with the investigator not being aware of the amount given.

Low dose or standard dose ICG will be administered by the anesthesiologist as guided by the study coordinator at the beginning of the case, at two points during the operation (1- prior to the dissection of the biliary tract and 2- upon completion of the dissection and establishment of the critical view of safety).

The PINPOINT Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System (Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo, Michigan) will be used. This device enables the surgeon to simultaneously see real-time, high-definition visible-range and NIR fluorescence videos and to superimpose them. It is currently approved by the FDA for intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

Measurement is performed by dividing the fluorescence intensity signal of the common bile duct by that of the liver

Qualitative Assessment of Overall Intraoperative Visualization of the Extrahepatic Biliary Tree - NIRFC Versus White Light

A qualitative assessment will be made based on the quality of the intraoperative visualization of the extrahepatic biliary tree on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = no improvement/identification not confirmed; 2 = marginally improved; 3 = sufficiently improved; 4 = well improved; 5 = greatly improved/exceeds expectations).

Measurement is performed by dividing the fluorescence intensity signal of the common bile duct by that of the background fat

Qualitative Assessment of Overall Intraoperative Visualization of the Extrahepatic Biliary Tree (Common Hepatic Duct, Cystic Duct, Common Bile Duct, Aberrant Ducts)

A qualitative assessment will be made based on the quality of the intraoperative visualization of the extrahepatic biliary tree on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = no improvement/identification not confirmed; 2 = marginally improved; 3 = sufficiently improved; 4 = well improved; 5 = greatly improved/exceeds expectations).

Inclusion Criteria: Patients undergoing standard of care laparoscopic hepatic or biliary operations or Patients undergoing standard of care laparoscopic resection for hepatic tumors: hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic tumor Exclusion Criteria: Patients with a history of adverse reactions or known allergy to ICG, iodine, or iodine dyes and Pregnant and/or lactating patients.