title: Spontaneous postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks following application of anti-adhesion barrier gel: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: METHODS
  This report documents cerebrospinal fluid leakage after application of anti-adhesion barrier gel in a single-surgeon clinical series of 27 patients treated with ADCON-L (Gliatech, Cleveland, OH) during surgery.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To discuss a heretofore unreported postoperative complication when using an anti-adhesion barrier gel for lumbar spinal surgery.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Anti-adhesion barrier gel has been touted as a beneficial adjunct to lumbar surgery. No previous report has been identified that documents the complication encountered in this series.
  
  
  METHODS
  During the time that ADCON-L was used, in a 9-month period, all spinal surgeries were reviewed, and those cases where ADCON-L was used were documented. The reports of all surgeries then were reviewed for complications during surgery, and clinical follow-up information was obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five of 27 cases receiving ADCON-L during surgery developed cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Three of these patients required reoperation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The excessive rate of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after the use of ADCON-L is significant, and the morbidity associated with its use outweighs the potential benefit of the product.
authors: lhieb@mindspring.com
authors: L D
authors: LD
authors: Hieb
authors: D L
authors: DL
authors: Stevens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011183:Postoperative Complications
chemical_list: C104199:ADCON-L; D005782:Gels; D009930:Organic Chemicals