Topical use of colchicine to prevent spinal epidural fibrosis in rats

Abstract Objectives: Epidural fibrosis after spinal surgery may be the cause in most cases of recurrent pain. Numerous pharmacological agents and anti-adhesive barriers have been used to prevent epidural fibrosis, but the success rates are variable. Colchicine is an historical drug extracted from the flowers of Colchium autumnale widely used in arthritic conditions in the past. Currently, it is used in acute gout attacks, familial mediterranean fever for its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. Also, colchicine is used locally in the cutaneous diseases (e.g. actinic keratoses, psoriasis) for its similar effets. In present study, we investigated the effect of topical colchicine on spinal epidural fibrosis in the rats. Methods: The rats were randomly divided to three groups of six animals each. Total L4-5 laminectomy was performed, and ligamentum flavum and epidural fat were removed gently. Meticulous hemostasis was achieved by using cotton pad when necessary, and no bone wax and cauterization were u...