Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effect of continuous irrigation on preventing dura mater adhesion after laminectomy.Methods30 New Zealand rabbits were used as the animal model. Laminectomy was performed in L 2 and L 6 segments of every rabbit respectively through two incisions. One incision was sutured directly, and as the control group. Irrigative pipe was put into the other incision as the irrigation group and continuously irrigating for 72 h. The animals were sacrificed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The specimens were prepared for macroscopy, light microscopy, electron microscopy and computer image analysis.ResultsAt 12th week, macroscopy and light microscopy showed that in the control group epidural scar was dense and widespread, and adherent to dura tightly, but in irrigation group epidural scar was loose and limited, and adherent to dura scarcely. There was a significant difference between two groups (P<0.05). Electron microscopy showed that in control group the epidural tissue was mainly dense scar, and in irrigation group it was mainly fat tissue which mixed with a few of collagen fibers.ConclusionThe continuous irrigation has a preventive effect on adhesion of dura mater after laminectomy in rabbit.

Key words: dura mater, adhesion, laminectomy, irrigation