Biological and synthetic conduits in peripheral nerve repair: a comparative experimental study

Two different types of conduits, one biological, obtained with homologous glutaraldehyde preserved vein segments and the other synthetic bioabsorbable, made with Poly [L-lactide-co-6-caprolactone], were evaluated as guides for nerve repair in alternative to autologous grafts in an experimental animal model. Under general anesthetic, the ischiatic nerve of a number Wistar rats was transected to create a 1 cm gap, which was then repaired by means of the conduits or autologous grafts. Controls were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months; nerve regeneration was effective with both conduits, but the count of myelinated axons showed a significant difference between the synthetic and biological tubes (p < 0.001). The Poly [L-lactide-co-6-caprolactone] guide was still intact 30 days after implant; progressive signs of degradation were present at 90 and 180 days. These results show that the synthetic conduits are better than those obtained with preserved vein segments and might be considered in alternative to autologous grafts in peripheral nerve reconstruction.