Effects of topically applied sodium-2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MESNA) in the prevention of epidural fibrosis following lumbar laminectomy in rats.

OBJECTIVE

In spinal surgery practices through which nervous tissues are released as a result of decompression, the occurrence of fibrosis is a substantial issue that reduces the success rates. This study investigated the positive impacts of topical application of sodium-2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MESNA) on the prevention of fibrosis at the surgical site.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All groups were anesthetized 4 weeks after the procedure, and they were subjected to neuromonitoring. Subsequently, after the rats were killed, the development of fibrosis was evaluated in a macroscopic manner by creating a surgical site through the previous incision. The left L4 root was excised along with its peripheral tissue, and the prevalence of the fibrosis was evaluated microscopically.

RESULTS

The fibrous tissue was observed to be less prevalent in the group where MESNA was applied, as per the macroscopic and histopathologic scoring.

CONCLUSION

The positive macroscopic and microscopic effectiveness of the topically applied MESNA solution to prevent fibrosis was demonstrated. Further research is needed to substantiate this potential of MESNA.