Neurodegenerative effect of electrocauterization on spinal nerve root: an experimental study.
We investigated the number of degenerated neurons in spinal roots of rabbits after spinal surgery to test if electrocauterization causes neuronal loss. The number of degenerated neurons was higher in study group than in control group, and the number of live neurons was higher in control group than in study group. These results suggest that electrocauterization applied during spinal surgery is hazardous to spinal neurons and should not be applied unless required.
Department of Neurosurgery, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
M Dumlu
MD
Aydin
Senol
S
Dane
Fazli
F
Erdogan
Coskun
C
Yolas
Naci
N
Ezirmik
Kenan
K
Gumustekin
D000818:Animals; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D011817:Rabbits; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*