Near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy of the ureter with three preclinical dyes in a pig model

Background Ureteric injury is reported to occur in 1–7.6% of colorectal surgeries. To reduce the incidence of ureteral injury, it is essential to identify the ureters. The use of near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with intravenously administered dyes might be of added value for ureteral visualization during laparoscopy. The aim of this study is to assess the performance of three preclinical dyes; IRDye® 800BK, IRDye® 800NOS and IRDye® 800CW, for near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy of the ureter in pigs.