[Comparative evaluation of using autologous cable transplants and the classical microsurgical method of nerve anastomosis].

Using the microsurgical technique in 19 cases the union of 27 injured nerves was done within 24 hours after the injury, with simultaneous suture of the remaining anatomical structures of the extremity. In cases in which after adequate resection the gap in the nerve was not exceeding 2 cm the classical end-to-end suture was done (12 cases) in the remaining 15 cases autogenous bridging (cable) grafts were used. In cases with cable grafts very good or good results were obtained, in the cases of end-to-end suture a poor result was noted in one case. It was found that one-step reconstruction of all severed anatomical structures of the extremity (tendons, vessels, nerves) was undertaken during the first surgical intervention by microsurgical techniques was the best method, and autogenous cable grafts were superior to end-to-end anastomosis in primary reconstruction of damaged peripheral nerves.