Intraoperative intraductal injection of methylene blue dye to assist in major duct excision. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Nipple discharge is not uncommon in women during their reproductive years. The etiology is benign in the majority of cases. Patients presenting with nipple discharge often require major duct excision (MDE) for accurate diagnosis and treatment. MDE is enhanced by the use of intraoperative injection of methylene blue dye into the discharging duct in order to aid visualization. Methylene blue dye-enhanced MDE has several advantages over traditional techniques. Methylene blue dye staining identifies the major discharging duct, as well as its side branches, which allows the surgeon to resect that specific ductal system only. This method allows neighboring major ducts to remain intact, preserving nipple function and permitting future cancer detection. Methylene blue-enhanced MDE allows the surgeon to more accurately determine the precise location and volume of tissue that needs to be excised. Lastly, methylene blue is both safe and inexpensive.

publication date

  • April 1, 2006

Research

keywords

  • Breast Diseases
  • Coloring Agents
  • Methylene Blue
  • Nipples

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 33644882461

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2005.07.032

PubMed ID

  • 16531154

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 191

issue

  • 4