Facial nerve repair with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and collagen conduits: an experimental study in the rabbit.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated autogenous nerve grafts and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) and collagen tubes as conduits for the repair of continuity defects in the facial nerve of rabbits.


METHODS
The buccal division of 24 facial nerves was isolated, transected, and separated 10 mm. The gap between the 2 nerve ends was then repaired with an autologous nerve graft or an e-PTFE or collagen conduit. Fifteen days and 1, 2, and 4 months after the procedure, the animals were subjected to electrophysiologic tests, killed, and the nerves were removed for histologic examination.


RESULTS
At 15 days postsurgery, no regeneration was observed through the e-PTFE and collagen tubes or across the autologous nerve grafts at the midpoint of the specimens. However, regeneration across the chambers and autologous nerve grafts was seen in the following 4 months, although the number of axons regenerated was small.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study indicate that e-PTFE and collagen tubing may be effective in the repair of continuity defects in peripheral nerves. However, further research will be necessary for generalization of this procedure.
Vasconcelos
B C
BC
University of Pernambuco Dental School, Recife, Brazil.
Gay-Escoda
C
C
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003094:Collagen; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000637:transplantation; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D008297:Male; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011817:Rabbits; D015607:Stents; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D003094:Collagen