Browsing by Author "Gurcay, Ahmet Gurhan"

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    Evaluation of Topical Application of Polysaccharide Hemostat and Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose on Epidural Fibrosis in Rats
    (2016) Gurcay, Ahmet Gurhan; Kazanci, Atilla; Gurcan, Oktay; Bozkurt, Ismail; Onder, Evrim; Altinel, Faruk; Bavbek, Murad; 0000-0002-8326-3900; AAJ-5382-2021
    Introduction: Post laminectomy syndrome caused by epidural fibrosis (EF) is an annoying problem for all spinal surgeons. Even after a successful operation EF may mimic previous symptoms giving rise to failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Although adhesive barriers are employed to reduce epidural scarring, whether or not hemostatic agents influence EF is yet not clear. Objectives: To elucidate the effects of commonly used hemostatic agents in neurosurgery on epidural fibrosis after laminectomy on rats. Methods: This experimental study involving rats after laminectomy, an agent known to decrease EF ADCON (R)-L was compared with polysaccharide hemostat (SealFoam (R)) and oxidized regenerated cellulose (Surgicel (R)). 32 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups, all had laminectomies and their epidural space was examined after 45 days. Results: When compared with the control group, both SealFoam (R) and Surgicel (R) had a decreased grade of EF which was statistically significant (p=0.001). Although not statistically significant when compared with ADCON (R)-L, these agents had similar effects on reducing epidural fibrosis. Conclusion: Hemostatic agents are commonly used in spine surgeries. Post operative local hematoma increases epidural fibrosis thus pushing surgeons toward using more agents and leaving them behind. This study shows that polysaccharide hemostat and oxidized regenerated cellulose do not enhance but decrease epidural fibrosis following laminectomy in rats, suggesting that it is not necessary to remove these agents from the surgery field after achieving homeostasis during spinal surgery.
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    Functional electrical stimulation cycling in patients with chronic spinal cord injury: a pilot study
    (2021) Gurcay, Eda; Karaahmet, Ozgur Zeliha; Cankurtaran, Damla; Nazli, Fatma; Umay, Ebru; Guzel, Sukran; Gurcay, Ahmet Gurhan; 0000-0001-9852-0917; 33998960; AAG-3148-2021
    Objective To examine the therapeutic value of lower extremity functional electrical stimulation (FES) - evoked cycling on functional independence, health status, gait parameters, pulmonary functions, and biochemical values in patients with chronic complete/incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Materials and Methods Fifteen patients with SCI (duration of more than 6 months) who were able to stand up and walk with long leg braces or assistive devices and had stable neurological status and trunk balance undertook FES cycling for 6 weeks (three times per week). The main outcomes were: Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and 20-meter walk test (20MWT). Secondary outcomes include measurements of pulmonary function tests and biochemical values. All parameters were evaluated at the beginning and end of the program. Results Improvements were seen in motor and total scores of FIM (p = 0.007), physical mobility subscale of NHP (p = 0.011), 6MWT (p = 0.001), and 20MWT (p = 0.011). In pulmonary functions, only forced vital capacity (FVC) levels demonstrated a significant increase compared with baseline (p = 0.011). Biochemical values reached no significant level. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the FES cycling exercise program improves motor and total FIM scores, gait parameters, and FVC values of pulmonary functions in patients with chronic SCI experience. The FES cycle might be a valuable and well-tolerated intervention in clinical rehabilitation.