[Comparative experimental study of nerve repairs by classical suture or biological adhesive]

The respective possibilities of nerve reparation with classical microsutures or biological glue (bioglue) were compared on experimental rat sciatic nerve lesions. Seventy rats were operated upon, and 69 results can be interpreted. 22 had a microsuture, 47 anastomosis with bioglue (Tissucol). The animals were followed for 120 days, and the results assessed on muscular testing, electrostimulation, optic microscopic histology, and morphometry. Five anastomosis dysjunctions occurred in the bioglue group, because of technical errors. All other animals improved from the 60th day. From the histological view point, the results with bioglue were more satisfactory, because of the absence of foreign body reaction to sutures; the authors conclude that because of the equivalent results on nerve function, and better histological results with bioglue, its use is preferable to repair nerves, especially when microsuture is technically difficult.