• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.477-482
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• 2004

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of a mixed gel formulation composed of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and gellan gum (Na-CMC gel) for the prevention of adhesions after laminectomy. The anti-adhesive effect of the Na-CMC gel was tested in a controlled randomized study using an animal model of lumbar laminectomy. The animals (60 female Sprague-Dawley rats) were randomly allocated into two treatment groups to receive the Na-CMC gel on the injured area or no gel (control). The incidence of adhesions and their grade were blindly evaluated at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. The amount of scar tissue and tenacity were grossly reduced by the Na-CMC gel at postoperative 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The mean adhesion scores were 0.75, 1.25, and 1.38 at 4, 8, and 12 weeks in the gel-treated group, respectively. No significant inflammatory reaction was observed and the healing of wound was not affected by the Na-CMC gel. The Na-CMC gel reduced the amount of scar formation and tenacity in rat laminectomy model without affecting the healing of operation wound and other complications. Therefore, the Na-CMC gel may be the potential to prevent postsurgical adhesions in clinical state.