Methylene Blue Spray for Identification of Parathyroid Glands During Thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND

Hypocalcaemia is a common delayed complication after thyroidectomy. Several studies have identified risk factors and possible ways to prevent post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an intraoperative methylene blue spray to identify parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We have conducted a prospective non-randomised cohort study with 50 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy between January 2019 and January 2020. During thyroidectomy, 1 ml (10 mg) of 1% methylene blue was sprayed over the parathyroid glands, the inferior thyroid artery, and the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

RESULTS

Our study included 50 patients with ages ranging from 18 to 80 years old (43.0±9.7). We were able to identify the parathyroid glands with the intraoperative methylene blue spray in 82% of cases, with no significant postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Our study concludes that the methylene blue spray is a safe, feasible, and effective technique to identify parathyroid glands.