A comparative experimental study on nerve repair.

In order to overcome the disadvantages of the classic epi- or perineural nerve suture techniques, attempts have been made to secure nerve endings by a variety of measures, as exemplified by the use of artificial and biological glues. The use of a fibrinogen-thrombin adhesive to seal nerve endings is an easy, time-saving method at surgery and provides excellent coaptation of the severed nerve fascicles with minimal iatrogenic trauma. However, the problem remains of excessive connective tissue proliferation at the junction site or of premature loss of tensile strength before proper nerve healing occurs. The combination of the biological glue with the tubulization technique, associated with a fascicular and/or interfascicular nerve junction, may overcome the disadvantages associated with previous nerve repairs.