Experimental suture of the peripheral nerves with "fibrin glue".

An experiment on rats is presented, concerned with a technique for suturing peripheral nerves by means of "human fibrin glue". The sutures were performed by three different methods: (1) the traditional technique; (2) using a special grooved Vitallium plate (presented by the authors in a previous paper) by means of which all sutures can be dispensed with, and which facilitates more rapid and complete regeneration of the nerve; (3) with "fibrin glue", used on its own or together with the special plate. On comparing the three methods it was found that fibrin glue achieves better approximation of the nerve ends and thus leads to more rapid and more complete regeneration of the peripheral nerve fibres. Combined use with the plate is preferred where there is a minimal loss of nerve substance.