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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2015; 76(06): 466-472
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1558416
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

An Interlaminotomy New Zealand White Rabbit Model to Evaluate Novel Epidural Strategies

Edin Nevzati
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
2   NeuroLab, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
,
Jehuda Soleman
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
2   NeuroLab, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
,
Salome Aglaia Schöpf
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
2   NeuroLab, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
,
Daniel Coluccia
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
2   NeuroLab, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
,
Javier Fandino
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
2   NeuroLab, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
,
Serge Marbacher
1   Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
2   NeuroLab, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Publikationsverlauf

06. Mai 2014

31. März 2015

Publikationsdatum:
09. September 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Objective The New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit model is an established animal model for examining surgical methods to prevent epidural scar formation after spine surgery. As most approaches include complete laminectomy of the rabbit vertebra, this procedure is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. We examined a less invasive technique, the microsurgical interlaminotomy, for testing epidural substance application in the rabbit spine.

Methods Surgery was performed in the cadaver rabbit spine to evaluate the approach before performing it in NZW rabbits. All surgical procedures were performed under an operation microscope. Female rabbits with a mean weight of 4770 g ± 240 g were used. Neurologic symptoms were analyzed based on predefined scores. After resection of the spinal process, the caudal part of the upper lamina was resected using a drill and a 1-mm Kerrison punch. The yellow ligament was resected resulting in a dural exposure of ∼ 5 × 10 mm.

Results Eight pilot interlaminotomies were performed on three cadaveric spines to establish the surgical approach. Twenty-one NZW rabbits were then operated on using the interlaminotomy model. Three rabbits (14.3%) died during surgery due to anesthesia-related complications. Two rabbits (9.5%) showed partial paresis of the lower extremities and one (4.8%) a complete paraplegia. The remaining 15 rabbits (71.4%) had an uneventful recovery without neurologic symptoms. The mean surgical duration was 88 +/− 28 minutes.

Conclusion The rabbit interlaminotomy model is associated with few neurologic deficits and a relatively short operating time.

Keywords

scar - laminectomy - New Zealand white rabbits - animal - model