[Microsurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerve injuries]

The results of peripheral nerve repair have been significantly improved since introduction of the operating microscope. Microsurgical repair enables better fascicular orientation and coaptation with diminished fibrotic reaction on the suture line. The ten-year experience in 421 patients with peripheral nerve injuries is analyzed in the paper. Different surgical procedures (interfascicular neurolysis, direct fascicular repair, interfascicular transplantation or brachial plexus reinnervation) have been performed depending on type of injury, the special attention is paid to the cases with the nerve transection and consecutive interfascicular grafting. The results are analyzed in 182 cases depending on the location of injury, the patient's age, the timing of surgery and the length of nerve grafts.