Seprafilm superior to Gore-Tex in the prevention of peridural fibrosis

Object.This is an investigation into the effects of two barrier membranes in the prevention of peridural fibrosis in an animal model.Methods.Seprafilm or Gore-Tex was applied to a laminectomy defect overlying the dura mater in rats separated into treatment groups. A third group of rats underwent laminectomy only and served as controls. Two months postoperatively a histological study was performed to compare the amount of scar tissue in each group.The gross dissection demonstrated that both membranes created a controlled dissection plane, facilitated access to the epidural space, and provided a reduction in the amount of tissue adhering to the dura mater. Statistically, Seprafilm was superior to Gore-Tex in preventing peridural fibrosis (p < 0.05).Conclusions.Seprafilm can prevent peridural fibrosis better than Gore-Tex and can be used in humans in spinal surgery.