Methylene blue usage in the evaluation of traumatic necrosis in a rabbit liver injury model.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In this study, the efficacy of methylene blue in the differentiation of devascularized and vital areas in a traumatic liver model in rabbits was investigated. METHODS: Twenty healthy rabbits were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups. Surgery was performed through an upper abdominal mid-line incision 5 cm in length. After induction of liver injury, diluted methylene blue was injected through the portal vein and staining onset and discoloration times were recorded. RESULTS: All 20 rabbits survived until the end of the experiment. In cases, non-perfused areas of the liver remained unstained. In control rabbits, liver parenchyma was stained homogeneously. The mean onset time of staining in normal parenchyma was 18.1+/-1.3 sec in cases and 17.7+/-1.4 sec in controls (p=NS). The mean discoloration time was 53.1+/-3.7 sec in cases and 53.1+/-3.2 sec in controls (p=NS). CONCLUSION: In major liver injuries requiring surgical intervention, methylene blue injection can be used for detection of non-perfused areas in the liver.