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The role of closed-suction drainage in preventing epidural fibrosis and its correlation with a new grading system of epidural fibrosis on the basis of MRI

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Abstract

In this study we aimed to evaluate the role of closed-suction drainage on the extent of epidural fibrosis (EF) after lumbar disc surgery and to define a new grading system of epidural fibrosis in these patients, based on magnetic resonance imaging. Seventy-nine patients (34 women, 45 men) with a unilateral, single-level lumbar disc herniation were included in this study. Forty-one patients in whom closed-suction drainage was implanted were compared with 38 patients in whom the drain was not implanted. We have used a new grading system for the extent of epidural fibrosis, on the basis of follow-up magnetic resonance imaging findings. Pain intensity was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS), and the patients’ function and working ability were measured according to the Prolo functional-economic scale. We conclude that, in patients operated on for unilateral, single-level lumbar disc hernias, implantation of closed-suction drainage into the operation site results in less formation of EF radiologically and yields better clinical outcome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Baskent University, 01250, Adana, Turkey

    Orhan Sen, M. Volkan Aydin, Bulent Erdogan, Melih Cekinmez, Hakan Caner & Nur Altinors

  2. Department of Radiology, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey

    Osman Kizilkilic & Ozlem Yalcin

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  1. Orhan Sen
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  2. Osman Kizilkilic
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  3. M. Volkan Aydin
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  4. Ozlem Yalcin
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  5. Bulent Erdogan
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  6. Melih Cekinmez
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  7. Hakan Caner
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  8. Nur Altinors
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Correspondence to Orhan Sen.

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Sen, O., Kizilkilic, O., Aydin, M.V. et al. The role of closed-suction drainage in preventing epidural fibrosis and its correlation with a new grading system of epidural fibrosis on the basis of MRI. Eur Spine J 14, 409–414 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-004-0801-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-004-0801-6

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