Methylene blue dye for identification of processus vaginalis during hydrocele repair: experience in a teaching hospital.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to investigate the use of methylene blue in perioperative identification of the patent processus vaginalis in a group of boys presenting with congenital or recurrent hydrocele where surgery was performed by junior surgeons in training.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the notes of 22 boys with hydrocele, of which two recurrences, who were operated via a standard inguinal approach, by trainees. Methylene blue 0.3-0.5 mL was injected into the hydrocele fluid through the scrotal wall. A processus vaginalis was identified as a blue line.


RESULTS
Methylene blue injection clearly identified a patent processus vaginalis in 91% of patients. In 9% (N.=2), of which one recurrence, methylene blue injection demonstrated a hydrocele with an obliterated processus vaginalis. There were no intraoperative complications. No testicular atrophy was recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
Injection of methylene blue into the hydrocele sac may be considered a useful aid for a clearer identification of a difficult patent processus vaginalis. In the present series, there were no complications, and thus we believe that this technique might be suitable and especially helpful, in cases of recurrent hydrocele, and for junior surgeons in training.
Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age &quot;Gaetano Barresi&quot;, University of Messina, Messina, Italy - salarena@unime.it.
Salvatore
S
Arena
Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age &quot;Gaetano Barresi&quot;, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Tiziana
T
Russo
Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age &quot;Gaetano Barresi&quot;, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Pietro
P
Impellizzeri
Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age &quot;Gaetano Barresi&quot;, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Pietro
P
Antonuccio
Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age &quot;Gaetano Barresi&quot;, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Patrizia
P
Perrone
Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age &quot;Gaetano Barresi&quot;, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Carmelo
C
Romeo
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061646:Operative Time; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006848:Testicular Hydrocele / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008751:Methylene Blue