Methylene blue usage in the evaluation of traumatic necrosis in a rabbit liver injury model.

BACKGROUND

In this study, the efficacy of methylene blue in the differentiation of devascularized and vital areas in a traumatic liver model in rabbits was investigated.

METHODS

Twenty healthy rabbits were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups. Surgery was performed through an upper abdominal mid-line incision 5 cm in length. After induction of liver injury, diluted methylene blue was injected through the portal vein and staining onset and discoloration times were recorded.

RESULTS

All 20 rabbits survived until the end of the experiment. In cases, non-perfused areas of the liver remained unstained. In control rabbits, liver parenchyma was stained homogeneously. The mean onset time of staining in normal parenchyma was 18.1+/-1.3 sec in cases and 17.7+/-1.4 sec in controls (p=NS). The mean discoloration time was 53.1+/-3.7 sec in cases and 53.1+/-3.2 sec in controls (p=NS).

CONCLUSION

In major liver injuries requiring surgical intervention, methylene blue injection can be used for detection of non-perfused areas in the liver.