Background Ureteral injury is a severe complication in colorectal surgery, with an incidence up to 2.5%. Despite meticulous surgical technique, intraoperative ureter identification can be challenging, particularly in cases involving prior operations or extensive inflammation. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has emerged as a promising adjunct to enhance ureter visualization. In parallel, novel fluorophores with renal excretion properties (e.g., CW800-CA, ZW800-1) are undergoing investigation to avoid routine ureteral catheterization. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and clinical impact of ICG-based and emerging fluorescence approaches for ureter identification in colorectal surgery. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase, up to March 2025, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies assessing intraoperative ureter identification via ICG fluorescence or other near-infrared fluorophores during adult colorectal surgery were included. Exclusion criteria comprised pediatric populations, non-colorectal procedures, reviews, editorials, and animal experiments. Primary outcomes were ureter visualization rate and intraoperative ureteral injury rate, while secondary outcomes included procedure-related complications, operative time, adverse effects, and preliminary cost data. Results Ten studies comprising 716 patients undergoing colorectal surgery with ICG fluorescence imaging were analyzed. Ureter visualization rates ranged from 95.3% to 100%, with most studies reporting a rate of 100%. No ICG-related complications were documented. ICG administration was primarily via cystoscopy with intra-ureteral injection or ureteral catheterization, predominantly in laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures. Mean duration of the cystoscopy varied from 7 to 29 min. Improved intraoperative ureter identification compared with conventional visualization was reported in available comparative studies. Conclusion ICG fluorescence imaging safely and effectively enhances intraoperative ureter visualization during colorectal surgery, potentially reducing the risk of ureteral injuries. However, the need for routine ureteral catheterization prolongs procedure duration. Emerging renally excreted fluorophores may eliminate the need for catheterization and should be prioritized in future clinical trials. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO CRD420250653992.
Litchinko et al. (2026) studied this question.