Glow-in-the-Dark dye could make gallbladder surgery safer

NCT ID NCT02702843

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether using a dye called indocyanine green along with infrared light helps surgeons see the bile ducts more clearly during gallbladder removal surgery. Over 600 adults having their gallbladder taken out were randomly assigned to either standard white light or the new infrared technique. The goal was to see if the infrared method improves detection of key bile ducts before and after dissection, which could reduce the risk of accidental injury.

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 dye

What this could lead to

If this technique works better, it could help surgeons avoid injuring bile ducts during gallbladder surgery, making the procedure safer.

What could go wrong

This is a completed study comparing two imaging methods, not a new treatment. The dye may not improve outcomes for all patients, and some people are allergic to iodides.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cholecystitis cholelithiasis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Askelopios Westklinikum Hamburg

    Hamburg, Germany

  • Cedar Sinai

    Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

  • Hospital de clinicas jose de San Martin

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

  • Klinikum Sudstadt Rostock

    Rostock, Germany

  • University of Insubria

    Varese, Italy

  • University of Tokyo

    Tokyo, Japan