In this video, we will discuss that The 8th World Congress of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS 2025), held at The Leela Ambience Gurugram, India, served as a global platform for advancing surgical innovations. One of the most significant moments of the congress was the presentation of a consensus statement on Fluorescence-Guided Surgery (FGS) by internationally acclaimed colorectal surgeon Dr. Steven D. Wexner. In this video titled "Consensus Statement on Fluorescence-Guided Surgery: Insights from Dr. Steven D. Wexner at WALS 2025," viewers gain exclusive access to the key recommendations, clinical insights, and future directives surrounding one of the most impactful technologies in precision surgery.

What Is Fluorescence-Guided Surgery (FGS)?

FGS is a technique that uses fluorescent dyes, most notably indocyanine green (ICG), along with specialized imaging systems to enhance visualization of anatomical structures in real-time during surgery. It provides critical insights into tissue perfusion, vascular anatomy, lymphatic mapping, and tumor margins, making it particularly valuable in colorectal, hepatobiliary, urological, and oncologic surgeries.

Highlights from Dr. Steven D. Wexner’s Presentation

Improved Anastomotic Safety

Dr. Wexner emphasized the role of ICG fluorescence in evaluating bowel perfusion during colorectal anastomosis, significantly reducing the risk of anastomotic leak, one of the most dreaded postoperative complications.

Real-Time Visualization Without Radiation

Fluorescence imaging allows surgeons to view tissue vascularity and bile ducts without relying on radiation-based imaging, enhancing safety and efficiency in both open and laparoscopic procedures.

Oncological Applications

FGS has shown promise in sentinel lymph node mapping, helping identify cancer spread with greater accuracy in colorectal, gastric, breast, and gynecologic oncology.

Standardization and Protocol Development

Dr. Wexner advocated for the development of standardized protocols and dose guidelines for ICG use, ensuring reproducibility and broader adoption of FGS across surgical specialties.

Training and Integration into Practice

The consensus also highlighted the need for formal training in fluorescence-guided techniques, urging surgical education programs to integrate FGS modules into minimally invasive and robotic surgery curricula.

Consensus Recommendations at WALS 2025

Routine consideration of FGS in colorectal resections, especially where anastomosis is planned
Adoption in complex hepatobiliary surgeries to prevent bile duct injury and ensure vascular integrity
Use in oncologic surgery for better tumor delineation and sentinel lymph node identification
Further research and multicentric trials to validate outcomes across varied patient populations
Manufacturer collaboration to enhance imaging systems and dye formulations

Conclusion 

The consensus statement presented by Dr. Steven D. Wexner at WALS 2025 marks a pivotal step forward in the global integration of fluorescence-guided surgery into everyday surgical practice. By combining safety, real-time guidance, and precision, FGS is poised to become a cornerstone of modern minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Wexner’s insights highlight not only its current value but also its vast potential to transform how surgeons visualize, plan, and execute operations.

Watch the full video to explore the consensus in depth and hear directly from Dr. Wexner on how FGS is shaping the next frontier of surgical excellence. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more groundbreaking updates from WALS 2025.