The data behind our advocacy. Every figure here points to a problem that is preventable — and to the technology and protocols that can prevent it.
Laparoscopic gallbladder removals (LC) performed annually in the U.S.
Varma, 2010
Up to 1 in every 55 surgeries result in a bile duct injury — a rate that has risen with the advent of laparoscopic and robotic protocols.
Estimated injuries each year in the U.S. alone.
In certain high-risk patient groups, the injury rate can spike to fifteen percent.
Higher mortality rate in the first 12 months post-op for BDI patients vs. those without injury.
Many BDI patients become a ‘biliary cripple’ — facing long-term disability that can last for the rest of their lives.
BDI is the leading reason for surgical malpractice lawsuits in the United States.
Recent 2025 settlement awards for BDI cases — most exceed $1 million.
Misperception of anatomy causes 71% to 97% of bile duct injuries. ICG-fluorescence imaging makes the bile ducts glow bright green — turning the unknown into something the surgeon can see, in real time, before any cutting begins.
Reduction in BDI rates with ICG fluorescence imaging.
Visibility of critical duct junctions before any cutting begins.
Ardito, G. (2023). Delayed recognition of BDI and its impact. Journal of Surgical Research.
Booij, K. A. (2018). Mortality and long-term survival after BDI. British Journal of Surgery.
Dip, F. (2019/2021). ICG-fluorescence imaging and BDI reduction. Annals of Surgery.
Hartnett, D. A. (2019). Cholecystectomy-related malpractice litigation. Updates in Surgery.
HCUP (2025). Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project: Annual BDI Statistics.
Mangieri, C. (2019). BDI in high-risk patient populations.
Rogers, S. (2013). BDI incidence in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Varma (2010). Volume of laparoscopic cholecystectomies in the U.S.
Wilsonlaw (2025). Landmark $10M verdict in BDI malpractice case.
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