The reduction of postlaminectomy peridural fibrosis in rabbits by a carbohydrate polymer

Spinal peridural fibrosis following total laminectomy in New Zealand White rabbits was significantly decreased by the intraoperative application of GT1587, a semi-synthetic carbohydrate polymer. The application of a similar polymer, GT1043, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was not as effective. Laminectomies were performed at L-2 and L-4 in 25 rabbits. Absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with GT1043, GT1587, or PBS was applied in a blinded fashion to the operative sites, with untreated (sham) laminectomy sites serving as controls. Animals were sacrificed after 2 or 4 weeks. The extent of peridural fibrosis was evaluated by gross microdissection and histological analysis. Dense scar formation and dural adhesions were evident at both time intervals in the sham- and PBS-treated laminectomy sites. The sites treated with GT1587 showed significantly decreased peridural scar formation and dural adhesions, whereas GT1043 treatment caused modest reduction of scar formation at only the 2-week examination. The healing of skin and lumbosacral fascia was not affected by treatment of the laminectomy site with GT1587. These results suggest that GT1587 may prove beneficial in preventing postlaminectomy dural adhesions and peridural fibrosis in humans.