Peri-operative radiotherapy for the prevention of post-operative fibrosis on rats

Background: Post-operative fibrosis related pains and functional anomalies  can be serious problems for patients. Radiotherapy (RT) could inhibit fibrosis which may occurs post- operation especially following laminectomy. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of peri-operative RT on the prevention of post-operative fibrosis and scar formation on rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty three male Wistar albino rats,  were divided into three experimental groups. Laminectomy was performed to L3 and L4 lomber vertebral regions of group L and L+R rats. The rats in L+R group  in addition to this procedure also received peri-operative RT on the laminectomy area. A total dose of 700 cGy of RT was applied as a single fraction  using electrons. Control rats received no treatment. A rotarod test was performed at 20, 30 and 40 rpm/min speed rates to determine the physical performances of the rats. Results: The results have indicated statistically significant (P<0.05) differences for the 30 rpm/min rotarod test between the L and L+R groups. Histopatologically, significant differences were observed in epidural fibrosis, fibroblast cell density and arachnoid adhesion between the L and L+R groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that peri-operative RT may provide a significant advantage for prevention post-laminectomic of scar tissue formation.