Nerve staining with leucomethylene blue: an experimental study.

Identification and preservation of the facial nerve during extirpative and reconstructive surgery represents a challenge even for the experienced surgeon. We present an experimental intraoperative technique for staining the facial nerve and its branches that is safe, accurate, and inexpensive. Leucomethylene blue is injected into the precise region of the facial nerve. Staining of the surrounding tissues is efficiently reduced by irrigation with ascorbic acid solution, leaving only the facial nerve stained. This technique has been encouraging in rabbits, and with additional experience, we anticipate its use for intraoperative staining of the facial nerve in humans.