Application of indocyanine green in the parathyroid detection and protection: Report of 3 cases

Publication date: Available online 7 November 2018

Source: American Journal of Otolaryngology

Author(s): Jinrui Fan, Hao Jin, Jun Yang, Kun Liao, Zhuocheng He, Min Cui

Abstract

Background

It was thought that identifying the parathyroid gland during surgery was difficult for surgeons. It may be critical to locate the parathyroid for surgeons during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy due to the significant function of the parathyroid in calcium balance. According to recent reports, intrinsic fluorescence of the parathyroid has been found. There is some evidence to suggest that new equipment can detect the intrinsic fluorescence via imaging technology. In this case reports, a newly-invented intraoperative fluorescence imaging system and indocyanine green dye were applied to detect the parathyroid gland and evaluate the vascularization of parathyroid.

Case presentation

From July 1st to August 8st, 2018, 3 patients underwent total thyroidectomy in Zhuhai People's Hospital. The 3 subjects were recruited into our research. Indocyanine green angiography was performed on all the three participants. By ICG angiography, parathyroid glands were identified and protected. In the 3 patients, postoperative PTH levels were in the normal range. No one of them developed transient hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusions

This study has identified that the fluorescence imaging system applied with indocyanine green is a safe, easy and effective method to protect the parathyroid and predict postoperative parathyroidism.

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