Topical mitomycin C—induced inhibition of postlaminectomy peridural fibrosis in rabbits

OBJECT: The authors conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of mitomycin C in preventing postlaminectomy peridural fibrosis in rabbits. METHODS: Laminectomies were performed at L-4 in 12 rabbits. Color-coded cotton pads soaked either with 0.02% mitomycin C or saline were applied in a blinded fashion to the operative sites, with saline-treated laminectomy sites serving as controls. The rabbits were killed 30 days after surgery. The extent of peridural fibrosis was evaluated by histological analysis. The mitomycin C-treated sites showed significantly decreased peridural fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Peridural fibrosis can be a devastating condition that develops after laminectomy. Topical application of mitomycin C may be a successful method of preventing postlaminectomy peridural fibrosis.