Impact of Indocyanine Green in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Enhancing Safety, Reducing Conversion Rates and Optimizing Operative Time through Predictive Scoring Systems

Abstract Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) is the standard treatment for gallbladder disease. However, complex cases may require conversion to open surgery. Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography(ICG NIRF-C) enhances biliary visualization, potentially reducing conversion rates, surgical time and complications.This study evaluates ICG’s role in improving LC outcomes using five predictive risk scores. Study Design Forty-four LC patients received a single 0.25 mg intravenous ICG dose during anesthesia induction. Data collected included demographics, biliary visualization before and after dissection, complications, operative time and risk scores. Results ICG fluorescence improved biliary visualization: common bile duct(CBD) was identified in 29% of cases before and 100% after dissection. Despite 61.4% of patients having a CLOC score > 6 and 43.2% a G10 score ≥ 3 no conversions occurred. Only 7% of cases exceeded 90 minutes (p = 0.03). Conclusion ICG NIRF-C enhances biliary anatomy visualization, reducing conversion rates and operative time, supporting its integration as a standard LC tool.