Flap Removal or Flap Preservation During LASEK Surgery

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of corneal epithelial flap removal or flap preservation during LASEK operation on myopia and to determine whether there was any accrual of benefit in either approach. From March 2006 to March 2008, some 582 patients (1,164 eyes) who presented with myopia and myopic astigmatism were treated with corrective LASEK operations. They were divided into two groups: one group underwent corneal flap-preservation while the other had the corneal flap removed. Each group comprised 582 eyes, and the data accumulated were retrospectively analyzed. Each patient was examined after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days; 2 weeks; and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after LASEK surgery to determine their post-operative visual acuity and check for complications. All eyes achieved pre-operative corrected vision 16 weeks after LASEK surgery, with no difference being observed between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference in the ophthalmalgia observed 3 days after LASEK surgery, with the flap-removal group experiencing less post-operative pain than those who had the corneal flap preserved. Furthermore, by 3 days post-operation, the observed corneal epithelial healing was significantly different: again the eyes of those who had the corneal flap removed having a faster recovery than those belonging to the corneal preservation group. In conclusion, the patients who had a flap-removal LASEK operation recorded faster recovery and suffered less ophthalmalgia, but there was no significant difference in the overall outcome in terms of post-operative optimally corrected vision or complications such as haze formation.     

Dextran and adhesions in guinea-pigs

This prospective, randomized, 'blind' study with guinea-pigs was performed to assess the possible benefit of 6% dextran 70 (molecular weight 70 000) in the prevention of post-operative intra-abdominal adhesions and recurrent adhesions after adhesiolysis. In 50 guinea-pigs lesions for inducing adhesions were applied at the end of the uterine horn. On the right side a strip lesion was made and on the left side an end-to-end anastomosis was performed after section. Before closing the peritoneum 20 ml 6% dextran 70 (N = 25) or saline (N = 25) were introduced into the peritoneal cavity. A second laparotomy 4 weeks later showed no differences in adhesion formation in the animals treated with 6% dextran 70 and saline. In the animals with adhesions adhesiolysis was performed and 6% dextran 70 or saline was left in the peritoneal cavity. Again no beneficial effect of dextran was seen. The end-to-end procedure appeared to be far more suitable for producing adhesions than was the strip lesion.     

Protective effect of melatonin against oxidative stress on adhesion formation in the rat cecum and uterine horn model

This experimental study was designed to evaluate the degree of adhesion formation and peritoneal tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) and the effect of melatonin on these metabolites in a postoperative intraperitoneal adhesion formation model in rats. Thirty adult female Wistar albino rats were subjected to standardized lesions by cecal and uterine horn abrasion and were randomly divided into three groups. Control rats were treated with 5% ethanol. Melatonin treated rats received 4 mg/kg melatonin before closure and for 10 consecutive days intraperitoneally after surgery. Rats in the sham operation group underwent a surgical procedure similar to the other groups however the peritoneal abrasion was not performed. On postoperative day 10 relaparatomy was performed. After the assessment of the adhesions, the rats in each group were sacrificed and peritoneal tissues were harvested to determine the tissue levels of MDA, GSH and NO activity. Adhesion formation scores in the melatonin group were significantly lower than that of control and sham group (p<0.01 and p<0.02, respectively). Tissue levels of MDA and NO were significantly lower in the melatonin treated rats when compared with control and sham groups. The levels of GSH in the melatonin treated rats were significantly higher than those of control and sham groups (p<0.01). The results demonstrate that in this experimental model, intraperitoneal administration of melatonin decreases the extent of peritoneal adhesions and causes a decrease in MDA and NO and an increase in GSH levels.     

Ghrelin Inhibits Post-Operative Adhesions via Blockage of the TGF-β Signaling Pathway

Post-operative adhesions are a critical problem in pelvic and abdominal surgery despite a multitude of studies dedicated to finding modalities to prevent their occurrence. Ghrelin administration promotes an anti-fibrotic response in a surgical mouse model of adhesion-induction, but the mechanisms mediating this effect have not been established. In the current study, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the anti-adhesion effect of ghrelin were investigated. Post-surgical adhesions were experimentally created in C57BL/6 wild-type mice via a combination of ischemic peritoneal buttons and cecal multiple abrasions. Ghrelin or saline intraperitoneal injections were given twice daily from two days before surgery to selected time points post-surgically to assess the phenotypic and molecular effects of treatment (1 day (n = 20), 4 days (n = 20) and 20 days (n = 40) after surgery). Endpoints included the scoring of adhesions and gene and protein expression analysis of pro-fibrogenic factors conducted on peritoneal ischemic tissue by quantitative PCR and Western blot. Ghrelin administration significantly reduced post-surgical adhesions and down-regulated pro-inflammatory gene and protein expression, including Tgfb3 and Tgfbr2. The up-regulation of inhibitory proteins Smad6 and Smad7 confirmed the ghrelin-induced blockage of TGF-β signaling. Ghrelin is a candidate therapeutic drug for post-operative adhesion prevention, inhibiting inflammatory responses via blockage of the TGF-β signaling pathway at the onset of surgery before the occurrence of the granulation-remodeling phase.     

The effects of repeated laparoscopic surgery used for ovarian examination and follicular aspiration in cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated laparoscopic surgery, superovulation and follicular aspiration on the ovarian response, on macroscopic lesions of tissues and on subsequent fertility. A total of 252 laparoscopies were performed on 64 Holstein-type heifers and cows over a 4-year period. In 93% of these cases access to both ovaries was obtained. Thirteen animals (who had undergone 1–3 operations) were sold for breeding and all of them became pregnant in a 6-month period. Ten animals were sent for slaughter due to fatness, adhesions of the abdominal wall, poor hormonal response or ovarian adhesions, but they had undergone at least five laparoscopies before being eliminated. We found no significant decrease in the number of oocytes recovered following repeated porcine follicle stimulating hormone (FSH-P) stimulation or laparoscopy, but FSH-P was significantly more efficient than pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) in promoting follicular growth. We conclude that laparoscopy has a high success rate, does not impair fertility when done a few times, is not a traumatic technique and does not affect the ovarian response when used repeatedly.     

One-Step Transepithelial Topography-Guided Ablation in the Treatment of Myopic Astigmatism

Purpose

To evaluate one-step topography-guided transepithelial ablation in the treatment of low to moderate myopic astigmatism using a 1KHz excimer laser.

Methods

Retrospective study of 117 consecutive eyes available for evaluation 12 months after surgery. Pre- and post-operative visual and refractive data as well as post-operative pain and haze were analyzed. A novel technique integrating custom refractive- and epithelial- ablation in a single uninterrupted procedure was used.

Results

The mean pre-operative spherical equivalent (SE) and the mean cylinder were: –3.22 diopters (D) ±1.54 (SD) (range –0.63 to –7.25 D) and –0.77 D ±0.65 (range 0 to –4.50 D), respectively. At 12 months after surgery: no eyes lost ≥2 lines of corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA). Safety and efficacy indexes were 1.27 and 1.09, respectively. Uncorrected distant visual acuity (UDVA) was ≥20/20 in 96.6% of the eyes. Manifest refraction spherical equivalent was within ±0.5 D of the desired refraction in 93.2% of the eyes. Average root mean square (RMS) wavefront error measured at central 6 mm, increased from 0.38 pre-operatively to 0.47 µm post-operatively. Refractive stability was achieved and sustained 1 month after surgery. No visually significant haze was registered during the observation period. Post-operative pain was reported in 4.5% of patients.

Conclusions

One-step transepithelial topography-guided treatment for low to moderate myopia and astigmatism performed with a 1 KHz laser, provided safe, effective, predictable and stable results with low pain and no visually significant haze.     

普米克令舒雾化吸入对早期声带癌CO_2激光术后影响

目的:观察早期声带癌患者CO2激光手术后应用普米克令舒雾化吸入治疗的临床效果。方法:将CO2激光喉早期声带癌显微手术后患者120例随机分成2组,其中实验组60例应用普米克令舒雾化吸入,每日2次,每次1 mg;对照组60例采用地塞米松5 mg,庆大霉素8万u,糜蛋白酶4000u日2次混合雾化吸入,同时使用7天,对比2组术后呼吸困难、粘膜水肿、发热、声嘶、疼痛等发生情况效果。结果:实验组的患者,术后愈复天数、呼吸困难及咳嗽发生率明显低于对照组,差异有显著性意义(P0.05),而术后发热情况及声音嘶哑情况二者无明显差异(P0.05)。结论:普米克令舒雾化吸入能有效缩短喉CO2激光显微外科手术患者的痊愈时间。     

不同剂量戊酸雌二醇治疗宫腔粘连的临床效果

目的:观察不同剂量戊酸雌二醇治疗宫腔镜术后宫腔粘连的临床效果。方法:选取2013年6月-2015年3月在我院接受宫腔镜手术且术后出现宫腔粘连的患者80例,根据用药剂量不同,将所选患者分为小剂量组和大剂量组,每组40例。小剂量组患者给予戊酸雌二醇3 mg,大剂量组患者给予戊酸雌二醇9 mg治疗。观察并比较两组患者的临床疗效、月经恢复情况及不良反应发生率。结果:大剂量戊酸雌二醇治疗宫腔粘连的临床疗效显著优于小剂量组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。大剂量戊酸雌二醇治疗宫腔粘连,患者术后的月经恢复率高于小剂量组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组不良反应的发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:9 mg戊酸雌二醇应用于宫腔镜术后具有较好的效果,能显著降低宫腔粘连发生率。     

显微镜下经外侧裂清除高血压壳核血肿的手术体会

目的:探讨显微镜下经外侧裂-岛叶入路治疗30例高血压壳核出血的手术体会。方法:选择高血压壳核出血患者30例,采取经翼点-外侧裂-岛叶入路显微手术治疗高血压壳核出血的方法,观察记录上述患者手术一般资料及手技体会、手术治疗临床效果及术后第6个月患者的恢复情况。结果:上述患者平均输血量93.3±45.6ml,平均手术时间2.5±0.4小时,平均住院时间23.1±3.3天;血肿清除量>90%者18例,80%～70%者10例,<70%者2例;术后第6个月评价上述患者的ADL,Ⅰ级7例(23.3%),Ⅱ级13例(43.3%),Ⅲ级8例(26.7%),Ⅳ级2例(6.7%),Ⅴ级0例(0.0%),临床疗效满意病例20例(66.7%)。结论:经外侧裂显微手术治疗壳核出血,具有手术时间短、患者创伤小、术后恢复快的优点,值得临床推广。     

三种不同手术方式治疗精索静脉曲张患者的临床研究

目的:研究三种不同的手术方式治疗精索静脉曲张患者(VC)的临床疗效。方法:选择2015年1月至2017年6月在我院接受VC手术的患者128例进行研究,其中接受腹膜后高位结扎术者45例,纳入腹膜后组;接受腹腔镜手术者39例,纳入腹腔镜组;接受显微手术者44例,纳入显微手术组,对比各组患者的手术时间、出血量、住院时间及住院总费用,对比术前、术后3个月各组的睾丸体积、性激素水平,随访1年,记录各组复发率和并发症发生情况。结果:显微手术组的手术时间长于腹膜后组与腹腔镜组,出血量、住院时间、住院总费用少于腹膜后组与腹腔镜组(P0.05)。术前、术后3个月各组左侧、右侧睾丸体积对比差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后3个月各组睾酮(T)水平高于术前,卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)水平低于术前(P0.05),术后3个月显微手术组T水平高于腹膜后组与腹腔镜组,FSH、LH水平低于腹膜后组与腹腔镜组(P0.05)。与腹膜后组、腹腔镜组相比,显微手术组的复发率及并发症发生率更低(P0.05)。结论:不同手术方案治疗VC均可获得一定的疗效,但显微术式可明显改善性激素水平,降低复发率及并发症发生率,术后恢复好,费用少。     

Duodenum Clamping Trauma Induces Significant Postoperative Intraperitoneal Adhesions on a Rat Model

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the histological and morphological changes in the first two postoperative weeks on a rat intraperitoneal adhesion model induced by duodenum clamping trauma.

Method

The rat model of postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions was established in 48 male Wistar rats by laparotomy, followed by the duodenum clamping trauma. Rats were sacrificed respectively on 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th, 7^th and 14^th day after the operation. The control rats were sacrificed immediately after the operation (0 day). Then the intraperitoneal adhesions were assessed macroscopically. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the fibrosis, inflammatory responses, neovascularization, and cells infiltration in adhesion tissues. In addition, the changes of the mesothelium covering the surgical sites were examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Our study revealed that duodenum clamping trauma induced by mosquito hemostat can result in significant postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions formation. The extent and tenacity of intraperitoneal adhesions reached their peaks on 3^rd and 5^th days, respectively. Histopathological examination showed that all rats developed inflammatory responses at the clamped sites of duodenum, which was most prominent on 1^st day; the scores of fibrosis and vascular proliferation increased slowly from 3^rd to 5^th day. Myofibroblasts proliferated significantly in the adhesion tissues from 3^rd day, which were examined by immunohistochemical method. And the mesothelium covering the surgical sites and the adhesion tissues healed on 7^th day.

Conclusion

This study suggests that clamping trauma to the duodenum can result in significant postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions formation, which represents an ideal rat model for intraperitoneal adhesions research and prevention. And myofibroblasts may play an important role in the forming process of intraperitoneal adhesions.     

Traumeel S® for pain relief following hallux valgus surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Background

In spite of recent advances in post-operative pain relief, pain following orthopedic surgery remains an ongoing challenge for clinicians. We examined whether a well known and frequently prescribed homeopathic preparation could mitigate post-operative pain.

Method

We performed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the homeopathic preparation Traumeel S^® in minimizing post-operative pain and analgesic consumption following surgical correction of hallux valgus. Eighty consecutive patients were randomized to receive either Traumeel tablets or an indistinguishable placebo, and took primary and rescue oral analgesics as needed. Maximum numerical pain scores at rest and consumption of oral analgesics were recorded on day of surgery and for 13 days following surgery.

Results

Traumeel was not found superior to placebo in minimizing pain or analgesic consumption over the 14 days of the trial, however a transient reduction in the daily maximum post-operative pain score favoring the Traumeel arm was observed on the day of surgery, a finding supported by a treatment-time interaction test (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Traumeel was not superior to placebo in minimizing pain or analgesic consumption over the 14 days of the trial. A transient reduction in the daily maximum post-operative pain score on the day of surgery is of questionable clinical importance.

Trial Registration

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. # NCT00279513     

人工髋关节置换术在320 例股骨头缺血性坏死中的治疗体会

目的：探讨人工髋关节置换术在治疗股骨头缺血性坏死（ANFH）中的临床疗效。方法：选择2007 年2 月-2011 年2 月我院收 治的320 例（340 髋）股骨头缺血性坏死患者,均采用人工髋关节置换术对患者进行治疗,其中160 例（172 髋）患者应用骨水泥型 假体进行治疗,另外160 例（168）患者采用非骨水泥型假体进行治疗。采用Harris评分对患者手术前后的髋关节功能情况进行评 价,并比较骨水泥治疗组和非骨水泥治疗组的临床疗效。结果：患者均获得随访,随访时间为3～18 个月。全部患者手术后的 Harris评分明显高于手术前,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。骨水泥治疗组和非骨水泥治疗组在术后出血量、术后Harris 评分及住 院时间方面的差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,但非骨水泥治疗组的并发症发生率明显低于骨水泥治疗组（P<0.05）。结论：采用人工 髋关节置换术治疗ANFH疗效显著,能明显改善患者的生活质量,骨水泥型假体与非骨水泥型假体的治疗效果相当,应根据患者 的具体情况进行合理的选择。     

CO2 激光联合胸腺五肽治疗尖锐湿疣的临床效果分析

目的:探讨CO2激光联合胸腺五肽治疗尖锐湿疣的临床疗效。方法:将我院2010年2月-2011年8月期间收治的82例尖锐湿疣患者随机分为两组,治疗组50例采用CO2激光器治疗联合胸腺五肽肌注;对照组32例单纯采用CO2激光器治疗;两组治疗疗程结束后观察临床疗效。结果:治疗组50例,一次治愈者46例,占92%;二次治愈者4例,占8%。对照组32例,一次治愈者19例,占59.4%;二次治愈者13例,占40.6%。两组一次治愈率比较差异明显,具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组术后局部轻度水肿和疼痛,无需处理1~3天缓解或痊愈。结论:CO2激光联合胸腺五肽治疗尖锐湿疣临床疗效好,并具有治疗简便,术后不良反应少,治愈率高等特点。     

Systemic EP4 Inhibition Increases Adhesion Formation in a Murine Model of Flexor Tendon Repair

Flexor tendon injuries are a common clinical problem, and repairs are frequently complicated by post-operative adhesions forming between the tendon and surrounding soft tissue. Prostaglandin E2 and the EP4 receptor have been implicated in this process following tendon injury; thus, we hypothesized that inhibiting EP4 after tendon injury would attenuate adhesion formation. A model of flexor tendon laceration and repair was utilized in C57BL/6J female mice to evaluate the effects of EP4 inhibition on adhesion formation and matrix deposition during flexor tendon repair. Systemic EP4 antagonist or vehicle control was given by intraperitoneal injection during the late proliferative phase of healing, and outcomes were analyzed for range of motion, biomechanics, histology, and genetic changes. Repairs treated with an EP4 antagonist demonstrated significant decreases in range of motion with increased resistance to gliding within the first three weeks after injury, suggesting greater adhesion formation. Histologic analysis of the repair site revealed a more robust granulation zone in the EP4 antagonist treated repairs, with early polarization for type III collagen by picrosirius red staining, findings consistent with functional outcomes. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated accelerated peaks in F4/80 and type III collagen (Col3a1) expression in the antagonist group, along with decreases in type I collagen (Col1a1). Mmp9 expression was significantly increased after discontinuing the antagonist, consistent with its role in mediating adhesion formation. Mmp2, which contributes to repair site remodeling, increases steadily between 10 and 28 days post-repair in the EP4 antagonist group, consistent with the increased matrix and granulation zones requiring remodeling in these repairs. These findings suggest that systemic EP4 antagonism leads to increased adhesion formation and matrix deposition during flexor tendon healing. Counter to our hypothesis that EP4 antagonism would improve the healing phenotype, these results highlight the complex role of EP4 signaling during tendon repair.     

Gibberellic acid effects on the ultrastructure of endocarp cells of unpollinated ovaries of Pisum sativum

Ultrastructural changes of endocarp cells of unpollinated pea ( Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) ovaries treated and non-treated with gibberellic acid (GA₃) were studied. Following treatment with GA₃, the differentiation of cells of the middle zone of the endocarp into sclerenchyma occurred in 3 phases: initial, elongation and maturation. In the initial phase a proliferation of endocarp cells was produced in both GA₃treated and non-treated ovaries. Changes in the cell membrane system (Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, plasmalemma) and the formation of primary and secondary cell wall were observed in the 2nd and 3rd phases of treated ovaries. In nontreated ovaries senescence followed the initial phase. These results indicate that GA₃ induced the processes involved in the elongation and maturation phases.     

Boyden chamber-based method for characterizing the distribution of adhesions and cytoskeletal structure in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells

A 2D model was previously presented that describes the gliding motility of human fibrosarcoma cells. The model was based on the observation that adhesions are present only on the outer rim of the leading lamella of the semicircular cell. The present model describes the organization of adhesions and the cytoskeleton of migrating HT1080 fibrosarcoma and LX2 hepatic stellate cells in three dimensions. The migration assays were performed in a modified Boyden chamber using fibronectin, Matrigel, or collagen I as chemoattractants. The distribution of the adhesions was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscope, and following decoration with heavy meromyosin, the organization of actin filaments was analyzed by electron microscopy. Double labeling was performed to study the relationship of the actin and vimentin filament network in the moving cells. Vinculin containing adhesions were observed only at the front of the cell in the form of a ring while passing through a filter pore of the Boyden chamber. Actin filaments were present only below the plasma membrane, except the very tip of the leading lamella. Vimentin intermediate filaments were localized around the cell nucleus behind the actin filament-rich lamella.

This paper describes a model of the organization of adhesions and the cytoskeleton of migrating cells in the Boyden chamber. The model is based on the observation that adhesions are present only at the leading edge of the cell. The results extend the earlier 2D model of cell locomotion into 3D.     

Validation of trans-rectal ultrasonography for counting preovulatory follicles in weaned sows

The present study investigated the accuracy of trans-rectal ultrasonography (TRU) for assessing the exact number of preovulatory follicles (POFs, with a diameter from 6 to 10mm) present in the ovaries of weaned sows. The ovaries of 63 hormonally treated (1500 IU of eCG) weaned sows were checked with TRU (7.5-MHz multiple scan angle transducer) in two successive scanning sessions performed at 26-27 and 30-31h after the beginning of oestrus signs, and the maximum number of POFs were counted. Sows were subjected to laparoscopy (LAP) immediately after the last TRU scan to confirm the number of POFs. The differences (mean+/-S.D.) in the number of POFs counted with TRU and LAP on each ovary were analyzed as a whole and after sorting the ovaries into three classes according to the number of POFs visualized by LAP: (1) less than 7; (2) from 7 to 13; and (3) more than 13. A significant correlation (P<0.01) was found between TRU and LAP for both the whole data set (126 ovaries) and in each of the three ovarian classes. Despite the significant correlation, TRU underestimated the number of POFs by 1.40+/-1.67 compared with LAP (P<0.001). However, the underestimation varied among the ovarian classes. This difference was not significant (P>0.05) in class 1 and was significant (P<0.001) in classes 2 (1.11+/-1.30 less POFs than counted by TRU) and 3 (3.19+/-1.54 less POFs than counted by TRU). In conclusion, TRU is a valuable tool to count the number of POFs present in the ovaries of weaned sows, but a certain degree of underestimation should be expected when the number of POFs is large.     

Effect of low‐level laser therapy and oxytocin on osteoporotic bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP) is a major concern for public health. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has a positive effect on the health of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of LLLT and oxytocin (OT) incubation—individually and in combination—on osteoporotic BMMSCs in ovariectomized rats. Twelve female rats were randomized into two groups to undergo either a sham surgery (sham group) or ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis (OVX group). MSCs harvested from the BM of healthy and OVX rats underwent culture expansion. There were five groups. In Groups one (sham‐BMMSC) and two (OVX‐BMMSC) the cells were held in osteogenic condition medium without any intervention. In the group three (OT), OT incubation with optimum dose was performed for 48 h (two times, 10^?12 molar). In Group four, laser‐treated‐OVX‐BMMSCs were treated with optimum protocol of LLLT (one time, 1.2 J/cm²). In Group five (laser + OT group), the OT incubation plus the laser irradiation was performed. The biostimulatory effect of LLLT is demonstrated by a significant increase in the viability of OVX‐BMMSCs, cell cycle, and extracellular levels of Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared to control OVX‐BMMSCs and/or the sham group. OT incubation and laser + OT incubation have a positive effect on OVX‐BMMSCs. However, LLLT is more effective statistically. We conclude that LLLT significantly improved cell viability, enhanced the osteogenic potential of the OVX‐BMMSCs, and increased the extracellular levels of the TGF‐β, IGF‐I, and ALP.     

Surgical impact on brain tumor invasion: A physical perspective

Background

Epidural fibrosis is regarded as a cause of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) when excessive adhesional/fibrotic scar tissue causes compression, pain or discomfort by tethering of nerve tissue to the surrounding muscle or bone. Fibrosis inhibitors could therefore increase the success rate of spinal surgery and decrease the need for reoperations. In recent years, bio-resorbable gels or films for the prevention of peridural fibrosis and post-operative adhesions have been developed that look clinically promising. This included a 100% synthetic, sterile, absorbable gel combinations of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) used to coat the dura to reduce scarring after discectomy which became available in Europe in 2002. However, given the burden of the problem and unfavorable experience with other types of adhesion-reduction agents, our unit decided to evaluate the safety of CMC/PEO in a large population of patients undergoing spinal microdiscectomy for herniation.

Methods

To determine the safety and assess efficacy of carboxymethylcellulose/polyethylene oxide (CMC/PEO) gel as an anti-adhesion gel, a consecutive series of 396 patients undergoing lumbar discectomy performed by one surgeon had CMC/PEO gel administered at the end of surgery. The patients were followed up in accordance with standard clinical practice and records reviewed for side effects, such as skin reactions, general reactions or local fluid collections. Reoperations for recurrent herniation included an evaluation of fibrosis reduction.

Results

No product related complications were observed. Five patients needed reoperations for recurrent herniation. Significant but subjective reduction in fibrosis was observed in these patients.

Conclusion

The findings provide confidence that CMC/PEO gel is well tolerated as an agent to achieve reduction of fibrosis in lumbar disc surgery. Further formal prospective study is recommended in this area of unmet need.