Abstract: Objective To explore the role of the positive development of methylene blue in the localization of parathyroid glands in parathyroidectomy in patients with secondary hyperthyroidism. Methods A total of 49 cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism who would undergo parathyroidectomy were randomly assigned into 2 groups: the experimental group(n=24)in which methylene blue was intravenously dripped, and the control group(n=24)without any developing method. The operation time, success rate of operation, incidence of adverse reactions, detection rate and positive predictive value of parathyroid glands were compared between the two groups. Results The operation time of the experimental group was shorter than that of the control group, the success rate was higher than that of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01, P=0.05). Adverse reactions associated with methylene blue occurred in 1 patient of the experimental group and 0 in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P=1.00). The detection rate of the two groups were 99.00% and 92.86% respectively, with no statistical significance(P=0.03). The positive predictive values of the two groups were 97.06% and 91.92% respectively, with no statistical significance(P=0.11). Conclusion In parathyroidectomy of secondary hyperparathyroidism, methylene blue positive development can quickly, safely and effectively locate the parathyroid glands.

Key words: Secondary hyperparathyroidism, Parathyroidectomy, Parathyroid glands, Methylene blue