title: [An attempt to use Gore-Tex surgical membrane in lumbar disc surgery].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Oddział Kliniczny Neurochirurgii w Sosnowcu, Slaska Akademia Medyczna w Katowicach. maliszewski_m@poczta.onet.pl
authors.forename: Mariusz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maliszewski
authors.forename: Michał
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tymowski
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lelek
authors.forename: Grazyna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bierzyńska-Macyszyn
authors.forename: Henryk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Majchrzak
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene
vernacular_title: Próba zastosowania błony przeciwzrostowej Gore-Tex w operacjach dyskopatii ledźwiowych.