[The assessment of intravital staining of parotic gland using methylene blue in the surgery of benign gland tumors--preliminary report].

INTRODUCTION: The operation of parotic gland tumors are challenge for the surgeon. The main aim of these operations is tumor removal and facial nerve preservation. Despite of imaging examinations, showing the localization of the tumor, it's important for surgeon to have the opportunity to discriminate between tumor and normal parotic gland tissue during the operation, e.g. in color difference. Methylene blue (MB) has been used in intravital staining of various tissues for a long time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of the study was an attempt of intravital staining of parotic gland, using MB during the surgery of five benign gland tumors. RESULTS: In all cases parenchyma of the parotic gland was dark-blue stained and in all cases, while the tumor didn't show any staining. CONCLUSIONS: Using of MB may be useful in the surgery of parotic gland.