Glowing dye may save surgical flaps in head and neck cancer patients

NCT ID NCT07635420

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

Summary

This trial tests whether a special dye called indocyanine green (ICG), injected during surgery, helps surgeons see blood flow in reconstructed tissue better than standard checks. About 244 adults having head and neck reconstruction will be randomly assigned to get the dye or standard care. The main goal is to see if the dye reduces partial flap loss needing extra treatment within 30 days.

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 it works, this could reduce the need for repeat surgeries after head and neck reconstruction by helping surgeons spot blood flow problems earlier.
What could go wrong
This is a relatively small, early-stage trial. ICG is already used in other surgeries, but its benefit here is unproven. There is a small risk of allergic reaction to the dye.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Dept. of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Dept. of Health Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.

    Malmö, Sweden

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