Use of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in performing an endoscopic surgery, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A composite video image of the surgical field (e.g. the biliary anatomy) is shown on a display screen. The composite video image combines a visible color image and a fluorescence image of the surgical field. Using various techniques, selective fluorescence imaging of a particular area of interest in the surgical field is made possible. For example, in a cholecystectomy procedure, the biliary ducts may be the particular area of interest for the selective fluorescence imaging.
