[Identification and preservation of the parathyroid glands in thyroidectomy using methylene blue]

The risk to the parathyroids in thyroid surgery is widely known. Postoperative parathyroid insufficiency occurs because of accidental devascularization of one or several glands, or infarction due to manipulation, or resection within the thyroid lobe. The prevention of this complication requires a careful surgical technique which limits any injury of the parathyroids. A simple, safe and cheap method to improve the identification of these glands is the preoperative intravenous infusion of methylene blue, that results in a distinct staining of the parathyroids. The authors describe their experience with this useful procedure which helps to reduce the incidence of hypoparathyroidism after total and near total thyroidectomy.