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Facial nerve repair with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and collagen conduits: an experimental study in the rabbit
B C Vasconcelos1, C Gay-Escoda
1University of Pernambuco Dental School, Recife, Brazil.
Purpose:
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.
Materials And 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.
