Does fluorescence-guided surgery help find endometriosis?

Fluorescence-guided surgery typically uses indocyanine green (ICG) with near‑infrared imaging to visualize blood flow in real time. In endometriosis surgery, we most often use it to confirm healthy perfusion after delicate dissection or reconstruction and to help identify and protect critical anatomy such as the ureters.

It’s important to know that ICG is not a dependable way to “light up” endometriosis lesions themselves, so it shouldn’t be viewed as a stand‑alone method for finding disease. Where it can add value is improving surgical decision‑making and safety by supporting well‑vascularized, lower‑risk resections when operating near bowel, bladder, or ureters. Allergic reactions are uncommon, but we’ll review your history carefully—especially prior reactions to contrast/dyes, iodine/iodide sensitivity, and liver disease—so we can choose the safest approach for you.