Why the AFGI procedure is not recommended.

The AFGI (Aspiration & Fibrin Glue Injection)  procedure was a technique used in the early days of Tarlov Cyst treatment, and is still often used today by uneducated doctors, but over time it has been shown to often cause more damage than good.

In the early 2000’s a study was started on 213 patients with symptomatic Tarlov Cysts. The study was considered a great success, because it proved that TCs could be the source of patient symptoms, and after the procedure, the patients’ symptoms were mostly controlled.

It was a very important study, because it showed the medical community that TCs could cause symptoms. That, in itself was a win.

Unfortunately, over time, many patients who had had this procedure, due to the findings in the study, began to experience symptoms again, and when they had new imaging, it showed that the “glue” (not actual glue but a substance that works like glue) had migrated into the surrounding areas, causing nerves to clump together.

This made it impossible for many of them to have the surgery needed to permanently deal with their cysts, and it compounded the cyst’s symptoms by effecting the other nerves in the area. This is a condition called Adhesive Arachnoiditis.

In my years as an admin in support groups, I have seen this happen to several members. Thankfully it’s getting to be fewer patients, as more are educating themselves to the dangers of this procedure.

It has still helped some patients, but they won’t know for how long until time goes by. I wouldn’t recommend taking that chance.

The only people that I might see it being helpful for, are elderly patients that need relief now, and where surgery isn’t an option, due to their physical condition.