Methylene blue infusion for intraoperative identification of the parathyroid glands.

Identifying the parathyroid glands is of fundamental importance in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. We found that intravenous infusion of methylene blue was beneficial in intraoperative identification of the parathyroid glands in patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism as well as total and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy. The technique is safe and easy to use, and it clearly reduces the operative time. We suggest that it be used routinely in thyroid and parathyroid surgery.