Topical tranexamic acid prevents scar tissue formation following craniectomy in a rat model


Sahin O., Tascioglu T., FIRAT A., Surucu H. S., Caydere M.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH, no.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1186/s40001-025-02634-z
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

BackgroundWe carried out a study to assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid in preventing scar tissue in the craniectomy area in rats.MethodOur study consisted of control and tranexamic acid groups with 10 subjects each. All subjects underwent bilateral frontoparietal craniectomy. After craniectomy, cotton pads were applied to the surgical sites. In the controls, the pads were soaked with saline and in the tranexamic acid group the pads were soaked with 30 mg/kg tranexamic acid. Rats were decapitated 30 days after surgery. The degree of scar formation was evaluated pathologically and by electron microscopy. In pathologic evaluation, dura mater thickness, scar tissue density, and arachnoid involvement were evaluated.ResultsThe outcomes demonstrated that no adhesions were present in the rats of the Tranexamic acid group, whereas the control group exhibited severe scar tissue [eight of ten rats (80%)] with adhesions. Additionally, comparison between the two groups showed that the dura mater thickness of tranexamic acid animals was thinner than that of the control group animals. Similarly, the intensity of scar tissue density and the intensity of arachnoid involvement were much better than the control group.ConclusionsScar tissue formation following craniectomies represents a significant adverse outcome that may lead to various complications. Intraoperative topical application of tranexamic acid has demonstrated potential efficacy in preventing scar formation in the craniectomy region in rat models.