The Value of Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in the Protection of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve During Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the application of indocyanine green near-infrared imaging system can accurately locate the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during lymph node dissection in esophageal cancer radical surgery, thereby reducing the risk of RLN injury. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Can preoperative intravenous administration of indocyanine green enable visualization of the RLN; 2. Does performing RLN dissection guided by near-infrared imaging system reduce the probability of RLN injury, leading to better clearance of RLN lymph nodes and improved RLN protection rates? Researchers will compare whether indocyanine green was intravenously administered preoperatively to assess intraoperative RLN visualization. Participants in the study group will receive intravenous indocyanine green at a dose of 5mg/kg 24 hours before surgery. All patients will be monitored for RLN injury-related complications postoperatively, and RLN injury status will be objectively assessed via laryngoscopy one week post-operation.

NCT Number	NCT07406815
Lead Sponsor	Fujian Medical University Union Hospital
Conditions	Esophageal Cancer, Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve, ICG (Indocyanine Green), Lymph Node Dissection
Enrollment	144 participants
Start Date	2026-06-01
Primary Completion	2026-07-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-06-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-02-12