Fluorescence-guided surgery in colorectal cancer; A review on clinical results and future perspectives.

Galema HA, Meijer RPJ, Lauwerends LJ, Verhoef C, Burggraaf J, Vahrmeijer AL, Hutteman M, Keereweer S, Hilling DE

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most diagnosed malignancy worldwide and surgery is one of the cornerstones of the treatment strategy. Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is a new and upcoming technique, which uses an NIR fluorescent agent combined with a specialised camera that can detect light in the NIR range. It aims for more precise surgery with improved oncological outcomes and a reduction in complications by improving discrimination between different structures.