ADCON-L and hypotension during lumbar microdiscectomy

ADCON-L anti-adhesion gel is used as an antifibrotic agent in surgery for herniated lumbar disc. We report seven patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy, in whom ADCON-L gel was applied to the nerve root before closure of the surgical site. After the administration of ADCON-L, tachycardia and hypotension were noted, and were quickly and effectively reversed by i.v. fluids and ephedrine. Since its routine introduction into our practice, we have given ADCON-L on 212 occasions, with an incidence of adverse haemodynamic reactions of 3.3%. Adverse cardiovascular reactions do not appear to have been reported before.