[A method of suture-free anastomosis of nerve transplantation is being reported, using facial nerve as the example (author's transl)].
After microsurgery preparation, the endings of the nerve trunk, which have been freed from epineurium, are approxiamated on top of a gelatin platelet (gel foam) which has been soaked in a nutrient solution. The gelatin platet is then formed like a tube and wrapped around the ends of the anastomosis. Using this procedure, suture-induced reactions in the vicinity of the anastomosis are prevented. The connection is sufficiently firm so as to withstand tension incurred in chewing and in movement of the head. Additionally, the gelatin coating prevents early onset of fibrosis, which as a process is normally induced by the surrounding tissues onto transplants. Simultaneously, nutrition of the transplant is guaranteed during the first post-operative days. In all cases operated hitherto, good to satisfactory return of function has been observed. The earliest onset of function-return was observed at four (4) months after the operation and the latest completion occurred at eighteen (18) months. Thus far, no negative results have been observed using this method.
D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous
Zur Technik der nahtfreien Anastomosierung bei extratemporalen Uberbrückungsplastiken des N. facialis.