RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The localization of parathyroid glands is a challenging problem to surgeons in parathyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to introduce the intraoperative methylene blue infusion as a localization modality of parathyroid glands and to determine the usefulness of intraoperative methylene blue infusion for localization of parathyroid glands in secondary hyperparathyroidism. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Seven prospective cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism surgically treated from Sep. 2004 to Mar. 2006 were included in this study. In parathyroidectomy, intraoperative methylene blue infusion for localization of parathyroid glands was performed. RESULTS: In six cases of initial operation, four parathyroid glands were well stained and in a case of reoperation, three parathyroid glands were stained. After the surgery, all patients were well controlled in symptoms and calcium levels in blood serum, and 6 patients reached normal iPTH levels in serum. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative methylene blue infusion is an effective localization tool in parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.