Abstract

Gelfoam has routinely been used, according to Larroca and Macnab, to prevent scar formation about the dura mater and the nerve roots after laminectomy. We report a case in which postoperative monoradicular paralysis resulted from compression of the thecal cul-de-sac by a hematoma held in place by the Gelfoam. A review of the literature on prevention of adhesions after laminectomy is included.