UK first for Bariatric team
Surgeons at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton are the first in the UK to use a new image system during bariatric surgery.
The team are using Indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) technology to perform gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy to improve patient safety during surgery.
In addition, because the team are part of the university teaching hospital, the system supports training and education as there is a regular rotation of surgical trainees in the service.
Mr Altaf Awan, Consultant bariatric, Pancreatico-biliary and laparoscopic surgeon, said: “At UHDB we perform complex bariatric and Pancreatico-biliary surgery regularly and intraoperative safety is critical in this patient cohort.
"This is the first utilisation of the Karl Storz IMAGE1 S Rubina system for bariatric surgery in the UK. One of the ways we are using the technology is during Roux- en-Y Gastric bypass and Sleeve gastrectomy.
“This technique allows enhanced visualisation of blood supply, or perfusion, to the gastric pouch and sleeve conduit, which provides invaluable information to help mitigate risk of anastomotic and staple line complications. In addition, this technology helps improve trainees’ understanding of surgical anatomy during surgery and thereby promoting learning experience.
“I’m really proud of everything the team at UHDB have achieved by working together to adopt this new technology. I think together we will be able to bring real benefits to patient safety and help to train the next generation of bariatric surgeons. We’re really looking forward to utilising the KARL STORZ ICG perfusion technology in upcoming cases to optimise patient outcomes following bariatric and Pancreatico-biliary surgery.”
Indocyanine green (ICG) is a cyanine dye used in medical diagnostics. It is used to help certain parts of the body to become more visible during medical procedures such as surgery.