Alternative bile duct imaging technique in safe cholecystectomy; a rabbit experiment using different concentrations of luminol

Purpose: Cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgeries allover the world. Patient management is quite difficult in cholecystectomies that develop complications, and patient soften cannot return to their former healthy lives. Various intraoperative imaging methods are used to prevent bile duct and vascular injuries in cholecystectomy. This study aims to prevent possible injuries in cholecystectomy; as an alternative to existing techniques, we aimed to perform intraoperative bile duct imaging by utilizing the chemiluminescence effect of the chemical luminol. Materials and Methods:12 experimental rabbits were divided into four groups. One of the groups was determined as the control group. Various parameters were studied by taking preoperative blood samples from all rabbits to determine possible inflammation and tissue damage. Three rabbits in the control group were surgically explored and isotonic solution was injected into the cystic duct. The same surgical procedure was applied to the other three groups of rabbits and luminol solutions at various concentrations were injected into the cystic duct. The chemical glow created in the bile ducts by the chemiluminescence effect of the luminol chemical during injection was successfully recorded in the dark environment. All rabbits were monitored for 48 hours following surgery and then reexplored; tissue samples and blood samples were taken. Results: Tissue samples were examined histopathologically, and no difference was detected between the groups in terms of tissue damage. Blood results were analyzed statistically, and no statistically significant difference was detected between the groups. Since our study was a preliminary study, a small number of rabbits were included in the experiment. Conclusion: We predict that the intraoperative imaging technique we used in our study may be supported by larger studies in the future and maybe an alternative to existing techniques.