Evaluation of the Methylene Blue Staining of the Salivary Parenchyma in Surgery of the Parotid Gland

Abstract

Injection of methylene blue in the salivary parenchyma was performed in 33 cases of total parotidectomy for primary or metastatic tumors of the parotid gland. The technique of Robinson et al. was employed, with injection of 5–8 ml of a 1 percent aqueous solution of methylene blue in the Stenone's duct. The method showed its usefulness facilitating the search and isolation of the facial nerve and its branches. An improved radicality of the operation was also allowed.