EFFECT OF CO2-LASER ON SPINAL EPIDURAL FIBROSIS

In this study the effect of CO2 laser on spinal epidural fibrosis was examined in 24 guinea pigs which were divided into two groups. The fir st group was the control group, the second one the CO2 laser group. Al l animals had laminectomies at 3 levels. Re-exploration was performed three months after the laminectomy. In the second group the same proce dure was performed but at the end of the re-exploration, CO2 laser irr adiation of the epidural fibrotic tissue was done. The wounds in both groups were closed again. Four months later all animals were sacrifice d. for verification and quantification of scar formation (postoperativ e fibrosis) light microscopic examinations and determination of hydrox yproline were done, using Bergman's spectrophotometric method. The dif ferences which were observed between the two groups were statistically significant (U:134, p < 0.05). This study demonstrates the reducing e ffect of CO2 laser irradiation on epidural scar formation. The finding s encourage its use as an alternative method of prevention of epidural fibrosis after spinal surgery.