Application of endoscopic tattooing in intraoperative localization of colon tumours and sentinel lymph nodes

Introduction. Minimally invasive techniques in colorectal surgery have become increasingly popular and are considered a standard of care in most surgical cenres. Locating the tumour during laparoscopic procedure can be technically challenging. Incorrect localization of the primary lesion may lead to a non-radical resection margin. The technique of endoscopic tattooing (ET) prior to surgery or endoscopic treatment is considered a useful tool. Various dyes can be used for this purpose, such as: Indian ink, methylene blue, indigocarmine, toluidine blue, isosulfan blue, haematoxylin and eosin, indoxin green. This procedure is recommended by international scientific societies (ASGE and ESGE). Objective. The purpose of the study is to review the current literature on the use of ET in large intestine tumour lesions. Materials and method. A MEDLINE literature search of English language articles addressing the use of ET to enable intraoperative tumour localization in colorectal surgery was performed to evaluate and summarize the feasibility of this technique. Results. The use of ET enables the easy and safe localization of colorectal tumurs during minimally invasive colorectal procedures. The percentage of complications is insignificant. Conclusions. The available literature proves the safety and benefits of using the ET prior to surgical or endoscopic treatment. ASGE and ESGE recommend the use of ET in marking tumours before surgical treatment, and the area after endoscopic resection for further evaluation