Currently, the most important clinical applications in visceral surgery are the intraoperative assessment of anastomoses, the resection margin in the context of colorectal surgery, and the blood flow through the stomach tube in esophageal resections. Based on the water, hemoglobin and oxygen content in the tissue, conclusions can be drawn intraoperatively about its vascularization and integrity. HSI technology can also be used to determine the extent of resection of borderline perfused bowel in cases of mesenteric ischemia. In this context, the HSI technique is an objective intraoperative decision tool in identifying the optimal resection line or anastomotic region with the goal of optimizing the surgical outcome, creating ideal conditions for undisturbed healing, and ultimately increasing patient safety.
The feasibility of intraoperative assessment of almost the entire spectrum of intestinal anastomoses in visceral surgery (esophagus, stomach, pancreas, small intestine, colon, and rectum) was demonstrated at various hospitals.
In addition, HSI technology is increasingly being applied for tissue classification and tumor detection in experimental settings as well as during surgical procedures in clinical research.