Anti-adhesion properties of a thrombin-based hemostatic gelatin in a canine laminectomy model: a biomechanical, biochemical, and histologic study.

STUDY DESIGN An in vivo study on the effects of an agent for scar prevention in a dog laminectomy model. OBJECTIVE To examine the anti-adhesion properties of a thrombin-based hemostatic gelatin (FLOSEAL; Baxter International Inc., Deerfield, IL). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Postlaminectomy dural adhesion sometimes causes symptomatic problems. Although a new type of hemostatic agent, a thrombin-based hemostatic gelatin, has been developed, its effect on postlaminectomy scar prevention is unknown. METHODS A 4-level lumbar laminectomy was performed on 11 adult mongrel dogs. There were 2 levels randomly chosen to receive the thrombin-based hemostatic gelatin treatment, while the remaining levels were untreated (control). Dogs were euthanized 8 weeks after surgery. To assess the tenacity of adhesion between the dura and scar, peel-off testing was performed. Gross, biochemical, and histologic analyses were then used to examine the samples. RESULTS Peel-off stiffness was significantly decreased in the treatment group (64.8% of the control, P = 0.032; 2-tailed unpaired t test). Histologically, there was significantly less scar tissue formation in the treatment group (P = 0.04). The gross analyses showed a trend toward a smaller amount of scar tissue and tenacity of adhesion between the dura and scar in the treatment group. Biochemically, there was a trend toward a lower collagen cross-links content in the treatment group (P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS The thrombin-based hemostatic gelatin decreases the tenacity of adhesion between the dura and scar at laminectomy sites.