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

Abstract

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.