The effect of Omega-3 solution in the prevention of epidural fibrosis formation in experimental rabbit hemilaminotomy model

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids solution in the prevention of the forming of peridural fibrotic tissue and adhesion in a rabbit hemilaminotomy model. this new experimental model was previously developed by the first author of this study. twenty-one new zealand white rabbits were used for this experiment. seven of them were randomly selected as control group and was named as group i rabbits. the rabbits in this group were not operated and treated. the second group was group ii including 7 rabbits. this group was named as hemilaminotomy and untreated rabbits. group iii included 7 rabbits and named as omega-3 treated group after hemilaminotomy procedure. in this group (group iii), 250 mg omega-3 solution was put in the hemilaminotomy area before closing the skin and fascia. four weeks later from the operation rabbits were sacrificied by perfusion with 10% neutral buffered formalin solution. the lumbar spines were removed and immersed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for approximately 24 hours. then each specimen was decalcified in 5% formic acid for approximately 3 weeks. specimens were cut coronally for gross inspection. peridural scar tissue on gross inspection in coronal sectioned specimens was graded into three grades.grade i epidural scar tissue was scored with 1 point, grade ii with 2 point and grade iii with 3 point. the average score of hemilaminotomy sites without treatment was found as 2, 6 ± 0, 51. in the other hand the average score of hemilaminotomy sites with omega-3 fatty acids treatment was found as 1, 9 ± 0, 56. the difference between the treatment and non-treatment group was statistically significant. omega-3 fatty acids solution seems an effective treatment modality in the prevention of peridural excessive scar tissue formation in the rabbit hemilaminotomy model.