Reduction of neural scarring after peripheral nerve suture: an experimental study about collagen membrane and autologous vein wrapping

Abstract

The effects of a collagen membrane and a technique of autologous vein wrapping on scar formation after peripheral nerve suture are investigated. Forty-eight sciatic nerves from Wistar rats were transected and repaired, then allocated to a control group C (n=16) and two experimental groups: in group A (n=16) the repair line was covered by the collagen membrane, and in group B (n=16) the repair line was wrapped by an external jugular venous graft. Three months later, it was observed that adhesions in the surrounding tissues were significantly less in groups A and B compared to group C, and significantly less in group A than in the group B. Histological analysis revealed no significant reduction of extraneural or intraneural scar tissue in groups A or B compared to group C. However intraneural fibrosis was significantly less in the group A than in the group B. It was concluded that the collagen membrane was effective in reducing neural scar formation after peripheral nerve suture. Autologous vein wrapping also showed a favorable effect in this indication despite less successful histological outcomes.