Objective: To observe and compare the effects of using mGTR or Silicone tube to repair the defect of facial nerve.
Methods: mGTR and Silicone tube methods were performed on three groups of rabbits. Then physical and histological examination was carried out to get the results of these two repair methods.
Results: Both the two methods can induce regeneration of facial nerve. The mGTR was more effective and faster in repairing the nerve defect. Three months after operation, the distance of NCV between the two sides of facial nerve in mGTR group was 2.33+/-1.2 m/s, 10.21+/-1.5 m/s in Silicone tube group, and 2.16+/-1.6 m/s in autogeneous nerve transplantation group.
Conclusion: The mGTR is more effective than Silicone tube method in repair facial nerve. mGTR has some other advantages, it is likely to be a new method of nerve repair on clinical domain.