SPY in GI and Other Reconstructive Surgeries

SPY Imaging Provides Critical Relevant Information 

SPY imaging may provide surgeons performing GI and other types of reconstructive surgeries with clinically relevant visual images of blood flow in vessels and tissue perfusion in real-time during the course of surgery. For example, surgeons performing esophageal reconstruction surgeries, where the adequacy of blood flow to tissue and the integrity of the anastomosis  are key factors in achieving optimal surgical outcomes, are now utilizing SPY to make better informed decisions in the operating room.

Commenting on the use of SPY in gastric pull up reconstructive surgery, Dr. Thomas R. DeMeester, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Southern California said, "SPY imaging provides surgeons performing reconstruction immediately following esophagogastrotomy with a visual means of evaluating the blood flow to the gastric pull up used in the reconstruction. Prior to performing the immediate reconstruction procedure, SPY enables surgeons to determine whether or not the blood flow is adequate or needs tailoring and that immediate reconstruction is possible or should be delayed.  The ability to make these critical decisions in the operating room can definitely contribute to overall procedural success and patient outcomes.”

Surgeons at USC Medical Center were the first to describe the use of SPY in esophageal reconstruction.  Having now utilized SPY in a large number of patients and in a variety of procedures, they report  that SPY images have assisted them in determining optimal placement of anastomses and in avoiding or resecting poorly perfused tissue. Poor tissue perfusion can lead to anastomotic leakage and tissue necrosis, which can result in serious post-operative complications and the need to reoperate.