Postoperative cervical cord compression induced by hydrogel (DuraSeal): a possible complication.
METHODS
A retrospective case report.


OBJECTIVE
To raise the issue of DuraSeal for dural tear repair; to raise the issue of the potential for fatal consequences, if not considered to be an issue around and after surgery; and to illustrate this with a case.


BACKGROUND
Cerebrospinal fluid leak is a potential complication of spinal, and posterior fossa surgery. Leakage may be caused by inadvertent dural tears during decompressive laminectomy or extradural spinal approaches, for spinal surgery. We present the case of a complication as a result of repair for dural tear with hydrogel.


METHODS
History, focused neurologic examination with pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance scan images.


RESULTS
C5-C6 anterior cervical discectomy, and fusion with a standard commercial PEEK space cage. Intraoperatively there was a small cerebrospinal leak when excising the posterior longitudinal ligament. Surgicel and DuraSeal were used to seal this. The patient developed a quadriparesis after surgery which was a result of expansion of the hydrogel seen on MRI and at re-exploration.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydrogel is now described for the second time to cause potentially fatal expansion.
Thavarajah
Dushan
D
Department of Neurosurgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom. dushanthavarajah@yahoo.com
De Lacy
Patricia
P
Hussain
Rahim
R
Redfern
Robert M
RM
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate