The effect of re-neurorrhaphy of the distal coaptation on nerve regeneration after nerve grafting:an animal experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown that re-neurorrhaphy of a distal coaptation at an appropriate time after nerve grafting can upregulate neurotrophins in rat spinal cord neurons. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect this procedure has on peripheral nerve regeneration.

METHODS: Fifteen Wistar rats were randomly assigned to sham-surgery, control, or experimental (transection and re-repair of the distal coaptation of the grafting nerve) groups. The sciatic nerve was evaluated via electromyogram (EMG) and histology at 20 weeks.

RESULTS: When crossing the proximal coaptation of the grafting nerve, the EMG and histological evaluations did not significantly differ between experimental and control groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, crossing the distal coaptation yielded significantly better values (P < 0.05) in the experimental group.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate that re-neurorrhaphy of the distal coaptation at an appropriate time after nerve grafting can improve nerve function and facilitate the regeneration of axons.