The comparison of histological results of experimentally created facial nerve defects repaired by 2 different anastomosis techniques: classic suture technique or tissue adhesives for nerve anastomosis?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the histological regeneration characteristics of nerve fibers at the anastomosis lines performed by classic suture technique or a tissue adhesive (N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate).

METHODS

The control group consisted of 7 rabbits. The 21 rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups based on the harvesting week. In the study group following preparation of facial nerve bilaterally, a 0.5-cm segment of facial dorsal buccal nerve was resected, and the defect was repaired with a nerve graft, which was harvested from sural nerve of the same side by 8-0 nylon suture technique and by application of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate on the other side.

RESULTS

Electron microscopic examination at consecutive second, fourth, and sixth days (corresponding to 4th, 8th, and 12th week in human subjects) revealed increased nerve degeneration findings in N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate group when compared with microsuture repair technique.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is not an appropriate material for nerve anastomosis.