Intraoperative nerve staining in nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of intraoperative nerve staining by modified leucomethylene blue (MLB).

METHODS: Animal experiment was performed to assure whether the tissues dyed blue by MLB were nerves with microscopic examination. Ten patients with cervical cancer were performed by nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) and nerve staining intraoperatively by MLB. The status of staining was recorded. The post-void residual urine volume after removing was measured by ultrasound. The time to post-void residual urine volume of less than 100 ml and the first defecation were recorded.

RESULTS: In animal experiment, the tissues dyed blue obviously showed abundant nerve fibers by microscopic examination. The minor nerves were dyed blue clearly in NSRH. The time to post-void residual urine volume of less than 100 ml after removal of the urethral catheter was 10.3 (7-13) days by records. The time to the first defecation was 67.7 (60-82) h.

CONCLUSION: Intraoperative nerve staining by MLB provided a new method for nerve location in NSRH. It was safe, effective and convenient.