Glowing dye helps surgeons see hidden liver tumors in real time

NCT ID NCT04946591

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Klinikum Saarbrücken, Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Thoraxchirurgie, Chirurgische Onkologie Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a green dye called indocyanine green (ICG) combined with 4K cameras can help surgeons find liver tumors during keyhole surgery. 45 adults having liver surgery took part. The dye makes tumors and bile leaks glow under special cameras, which may help surgeons remove all the cancer while leaving healthy tissue intact.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Indocyanine green (ICG) dye
What this could lead to: If successful, this technique could help surgeons see small liver tumors more clearly during keyhole surgery, potentially leading to better removal of cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early feasibility study with only 45 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The dye can cause allergic reactions in rare cases.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

liver and intrahepatic bile duct neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LAPAROSCOPIC HEPATECTOMY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Klinikum Saarbrücken

Saarbrücken, Saarland, 66119, Germany

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