In situ identification of normal visceral tissues using contact telescopic microscopy

To improve the intraoperative anatomic identification of normal tissues during surgery using histologic-like criteria

A contact telescope was used to identify normal visceral tissues in an animal model using pigs and dogs during routine human surgical procedures.

Tissues that could be identified grossly were stained topically with methylene blue and then examined with the contact telescope. The histologic appearance of these tissues with the contact telescope was correlated with routine histologic hematoxylin and eosin stains obtained after such tissues were excised.

Normal tissues, such as fat, blood vessels, muscle, and parathyroid tissue, can be identified reliably in animals and humans. The contact telescope appears to be able to differentiate between a variety of visceral tissues in the neck and may become useful for practical differentiation between tissues during surgery.