[An attempt to use Gore-Tex surgical membrane in lumbar disc surgery].
BACKGROUND
Peridural fibrosis developing after lumbar discectomy may be responsible for as much as 20% of all Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. A variety of biological and non-biological materials have been used as a barrier to invasion of fibrous tissue into the vertebral canal.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) surgical membrane (Gore-Tex membrane) to inhibit peridural fibrosis and reduce FBSS symptoms after lumbar discectomy.


METHODS
In a prospective study we compared postoperative results in 20 patients who had an ePTFE membrane implanted during lumbar discectomy with the results in 20 patients in whom no material was implanted. The outcomes were evaluated using a questionnaire on activities of daily living according to the Low Back Outcome Score, pain grading scale -- Visual Analog Scale, assessment of Lasegue sign and MRI 18-24 months after the operation for all patients.


RESULTS
The authors found no evident positive clinical and radiological effects of using ePTFE surgical membrane during lumbar discectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
1. It is impossible to prove that ePTFE membrane used during lumbar discectomy essentially prevents postoperative peridural scar formation. 2. The use of ePTFE membrane does not improve the outcome of the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation.
Maliszewski
Mariusz
M
Katedra i Oddział Kliniczny Neurochirurgii w Sosnowcu, Slaska Akademia Medyczna w Katowicach. maliszewski_m@poczta.onet.pl
Tymowski
Michał
M
Lelek
Paweł
P
Bierzyńska-Macyszyn
Grazyna
G
Majchrzak
Henryk
H
D000328:Adult; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000379:methods*; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene
Próba zastosowania błony przeciwzrostowej Gore-Tex w operacjach dyskopatii ledźwiowych.