What is new in peripheral nerve repair?

In the last few years, several new techniques have been added in the repair of peripheral nerves. Some of them are convincing and are gaining popularity amongst peripheral nerve surgeons. Magnification has certainly improved the results of nerve repair. Although autografts are the gold standard for repair of peripheral nerves, allografts have been practiced as an alternative, by incorporation of new immunosuppressive agents such as FK- 506. In select patients with a paucity of autografts, allograft nerve transplantation may be of some utility. For small defects (< 3 cm), nerve conduits made of biological materials or autologous vein, have produced promising results. As an alternative to simple suture repair, fibrin glue is being used for nerve coaptation. Narakas found a 30% decrease in operation time with slightly superior functional outcome relative to traditional suture based coaptation. End - to - side neurorraphy may be helpful when the proximal nerve stump is not available.