Laminotomy or laminectomy is a spinal decompress procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal canal caused by conditions such as degenerative stenosis, fractures, tumors, abscesses or deformities.^1-2 This pressure can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness.

Fig.1:  A) Normal posterior vertebral arch Anatomy B) Hemilaminectomy C) Laminectomy¹

The spine surgical risks include:^1-2

• Bleeding
• Leakage of spinal fluid
• Nerve injury
• Wound infection
• Return of back pain in the futureThese procedures effectively treat spinal stenosis with few complications, but its small incision can make bleeding control challenging, which may increase the risk of epidural or spinal cord issues. ³
  

  Why is bleeding control so important during this surgery?
  

  Bleeding control is crucial in this procedure because even a small amount of bleeding can:
  

  Ensuring fast, effective haemostasis is important to achieving good surgical outcomes.

  How does a Flowable Haemostatic Matrix help?
  

  A flowable haemostatic matrix,  such as FLOGEL^® is made from absorbable gelatin, forms a smooth gel-like material upon constitution and envelops bleeding site to stop bleeding faster.

  Key ways it helps:

  • Designed for tight and irregular, or difficult to reach surgical sites.
  • Prefilled in a syringe for quick, direct application
  • Stays in place during active bleeding to deliver fast, reliable haemostasis
    

    Fig 2: FLOGEL^®: Flowable Gelatin Haemostatic Matrix Kit

    What’s special about FLOGEL?
    

    FLOGEL^® Flowable Haemostatic Matrix  offers for surgeons who operate in tight or irregular spaces. Its composition ensures fast, controlled haemostasis exactly where it’s needed.
    

    How does FLOGEL actually stop bleeding?
    

    FLOGEL^® helps achieve reliable haemostasis through the following actions:
    

    Clinical Evidence
    

    In a prospective, randomized controlled trial of 96 lumbar spinal stenosis patients undergoing endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression, patients were assigned to either the Surgiflo Hemostatic Matrix (SHM) group (n=48) or the non-SHM group (n=48). The results showed that SHM significantly reduced bleeding without increasing complication rates.³
    

    Fig 3: (A) Insertion of the UBE instrument sleeve. (B) The surgical field under endoscopy is completely obstructed by epidural venous plexus hemorrhage. (C) Injection of SHM. (D) Endoscopic view of the SHM being injected into the epidural bleeding site.³

    Key Findings:³
    

    • SHM significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume (p < 0.05)
    • SHM achieved a higher 3-minute haemostasis success rate (p < 0.05)
    • No differences were seen in SPEH, hospital stay and costs
    • Surgery time was significantly shorter in the SHM group (p < 0.05)Conclusion
      Flowable haemostatic matrix, especially advanced options like FLOGEL^®, play a valuable role in making laminotomy surgery safer and more controlled. By improving haemostasis in tight surgical spaces, they support better visibility, smoother procedures and improved patient outcomes.

      References:

      1. Estefan, Martin, Sunil Munakomi, and G. O. Camino Willhuber. “Laminectomy.” (2019).
      2. National Library of Medicine Laminectomy: MedlinePlus Medical gov site accessed date 27 Nov 2025
      3. Yan H, Gao M, Zhang Y, Wang H, Zhu Y, Zhou T, Yao R, Liu W, Li‐Ling J. Use of Fluid Gelatin in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Undergoing Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial. Orthopaedic Surgery. 2025 May;17(5):1340-8.