Use of ADCON-L to prevent peridural fibrosis following re-operation for recurrent lumbar radiculopathy: clinical results.
OBJECTIVE
To present the results of a small retrospective study in patients after they have undergone lumbar scar resection and ADCON-L application to prevent recurrent formation of peridural fibrosis.


METHODS
Between May 1996 and December 1999 nineteen patients underwent surgery for peridural fibrosis. Sixteen patients were eligible for statistical analysis. The mean age was 46.2 years (range 29 to 69 years) and the mean follow-up period was 9.7 months with a range of 3 to 38 months. In 10 patients scar formation was the main factor for nerve root compression. Three out of these patients showed concomitant recurrent disc herniation. Six patients presented with peridural fibrosis but concomitant recurrent disc herniation as the main factor for clinical deterioration. After scar resection and decompression of the nerve roots ADCON-L was applied intraoperatively.


RESULTS
Excellent or good results (Prolo score 8 - 10) were achieved in 5 of 16 patients, fair results (Prolo score 6 - 7) in 5 and poor results (Prolo score 2 - 5) in 6 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
ADCON-L may improve the chances of a satisfactory outcome in a small subgroup of patients following scar resection in the postoperative course of lumbar discectomy. Further investigations are necessary to identify clinical and radiographic factors predicting outcome.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery*; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000473:pathology*; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D005782:Gels / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
C104199:ADCON-L; D005782:Gels; D009930:Organic Chemicals