Preventive effect of dexamethasone gelatin sponge on the lumbosacral epidural adhesion.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the preventive effect of dexamethasone gelatin sponge on the lumbosacral epidural adhesion in the laminectomy. METHODS: A total of 36 Wista rats were divided into A, B, C and D groups randomly. Dexamethasone was not used in group A, Dexamethasone was used in group B, Dexamethasone was not used in group C but covered with gelatin sponge, dexamethasone gelatin sponge was used in group D. 3 rats in each group were sacrificed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation respectively and the wound was opened to observe the dural scar formation and the dura adhesion. Immunohistochemical technique was used for histology observation. The expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2 in the epidural scar and surrounding tissues were detected with western blotting and immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: According to the Rydell score standard, there were different degree of adhesion formation in A, B and C groups while there was no obvious adhesion formation in D group. It was confirmed that the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2 in group D were lower than that of the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone gelatin sponge could significantly reduce the occurrence of epidural scar tissue hyperplasia and adhesion after laminectomy in rats, and its mechanism may be related to the decreased expression of VEGF and VEGFR2.