Experimental microsurgery in peripheral nerves.

A surgical technique for the reconstruction of severed peripheral nerves is described. This technique reduces the mechanical manipulation and trauma to the nerve during suturing. Histological studies revealed that scar formation at the suture site was reduced to a minimum. The suture material did not prevent the downgrowth of regenerating axons. Nerves in which suturing was either inaccurately or accurately done, were compared. Histological examination of these nerves revealed that axonal regeneration in nerves with 8 or more sutures was superior to that in nerves with only 2 sutures.