INTRAVITAL METHYLENE-BLUE STAINING OF PARATHYROID-GLANDS AND TUMORS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (6) , 396-398
Abstract
Previous intravital staining techniques for parathyroid localization have met with variable success and complications. Modification of these techniques, employing a more consistent dose, combined with a prolonged infusion time has provided more uniform staining of normal and abnormal parathyroid tissue, other tissues showing little or no color change. Locally induced edema, not previously described, was a great asset in the dissection glands. In 38 of 40 patients (95%), 4 glands were demonstrated and in the remaining 2 cases, only 3 glands appeared to be present. One case alone has required reoperation, due to the presence of a 5th gland. Intra-thyroid and intra-thymic tumors were found easily, as was glandular tissue split accidentally. Apart from slight nausea in 1 patient, there were no complications attributable to the dye, in the series which included 12 patients with chronic renal failure. Uniformly normal postoperative serum Ca levels indicated the accuracy of the method. The technique is safe, inexpensive and easily reproducible, and would seem to have many advantages over other methods of tumor localization.