Management of postoperative complications after laparoscopic left hemicolectomy - an approach in modern times after incorporation of indocyanine green (ICG) and full mobilization of the splenic flexure.

BACKGROUND: Aim is to report our experience in the management of complications after laparoscopic left hemicolectomy (LLH) after the incorporation in our clinical practice of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography (FA).

METHODS: In our last period after incorporation of ICG-FA, 277 unselected consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with this technology. Ninety-seven (35%) right hemicolectomy, 19 segmental resection of the splenic flexure (6.9%), 54 anterior resection of the rectum (19.5%) and 107 LLH (38.6%) were performed. Complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification, and anastomotic leakages (AL) were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification and to International Study Group of Rectal Cancer (ISGRC) classification.

RESULTS: Eight surgical and one medical complications (8.4%) were observed. Two AL occurred (1.9%). One drained spontaneously by drainage placed intraoperatively (Clavien-Dindo I, ISGRC A) and one treated by laparoscopic peritoneal lavage, leakage suture and ileostomy (Clavien-Dindo III-b, ISGRC C). Other complications were: wound infection (Clavien-Dindo II)(2); postoperative anemia caused by rectorrhagia (Clavien-Dindo II)(2); pelvic abscess between bladder and uterus (Clavien-Dindo III-a)(1); hemoperitoneum secondary to inferior mesenteric artery bleeding treated with peritoneal lavage and hemostasis (Clavien-Dindo III-b)(1); atrial fibrillation (Clavien- Dindo II)(1). All complications have been resolved.

CONCLUSIONS: The complication rate after LLH after the incorporation of ICG-FA is low, since the number of AL have dramatically decreased in comparison to our previous experience. The management of these patients proved to be safe and effective due to in all cases the complication has been resolved. Further studies are required to standardize the management of these patients.