ABSTRACT
The authors report the results of a comparative experimental nerve study, using a
biologic tissue glue (fibrin) and a synthetic glue (2-cyanoacrylate) in a rat model.
A tension-free repair is necessary with the use of fibrin glue, or gapping may occur,
thus limiting the use of the agent in promoting re-neurotization. In addition, the
human origin of fibrin and thrombin allow for the possibility of viral transmission.
The aim of the study was to verify if the synthetic glue is a viable alternative,
or whether it causes cellular and tissue lesions. Their main finding was that the
cyanoacrylate causes a foreign-body inflammatory reaction and retractile fibrosis,
often reducing the nerve diameter up to two-thirds. Cyanoacrylate glue is thus not
recommended for peripheral nerve repair.
KEYWORD
Nerve repair - cyanocrylate - glue - fibrin
