Effects of 4% Icodextrin on Experimental Spinal Epidural Fibrosis.

AIM The aim of this experimental study was to investigate whether spinal epidural 4% glucose polymer solution is effective in the prevention of postoperative fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty eight adult Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two equal groups, including treatment and control. Both groups underwent L1 vertebral total laminectomy to expose the dura. Topical treatment group received 4% icodextrin. Four weeks later, epidural fibrosis was examined in both groups histologically, biochemically and macroscopically. RESULTS Topical use of 4% icodextrin prevented significantly epidural fibrosis following the laminectomy operation. CONCLUSION Topical 4% icodextrin application inhibits postoperative epidural fibrosis with various mechanisms and prevents adhesions by playing barrier role between tissue surfaces through flotation. Our study is first to present evidence of experimental epidural fibrosis prevention with 4% icodextrin.