Indocyanine green fluorescence reduces anastomotic leak rates.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomized trials, including 1949 patients, demonstrated that indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence significantly reduces anastomotic leak rates in left-sided colorectal resections. The pooled odds ratio showed a 4.7% absolute reduction in leak rates (OR: 0.586, 95% CI: 0.434-0.792), indicating moderate confidence in its efficacy. ICG may serve as a standard of care, enhancing surgical outcomes and patient safety in colorectal procedures.