Comparison of the outcome of end-to-side neurorrhaphy and end-to-end neurorr haphy of the facial nerves: an experimental study

Objective:To evaluate the results of end -to-side neurorrhaphy and end-to-end neurorrhaphy after facial nerve injury.Method:24 r a bbits were employed in this experiment. The upper cheek branch of facial nerve o n right side was transected and distal end was sutured to the low cheek branch o f facial nerve with epineurial window in an end- to-side fashion. At the same time , the left side was treated with end-to-e nd fashion. Regeneration of nerve was tested via electromyographic examination, and histological observation after 1,2,3 m.Result:After 1 m and 2 m , the latercy amplitude of evoked potentiasl and numble of mye linated nerve fibers was significant lower in end-to-side group than end-to- end group.There was no significant difference between the two groups after 3 m. Conclusion:The quality of nerve regeneration in end -to-side neurorrhaphy was inferior to that in end-to-end neurorrhaphy at ear ly stage, but there is no difference at the late stage. [