Evaluation of Fibrin Glue Adhesive for Experimental Facial Nerve Anastomosis

Abstract

We evaluated the utility of fibrin glue adhesive in experimental facial nerve anastomosis. The zygomaticopalpebral branch of the facial nerve in guinea pigs was transected and repaired with either fibrin glue or nylon suture. The course of recovery was evaluated electrophysiologically by measuring evoked electromyography and palpebral muscle contraction rate. No significant difference between the two groups was observed. Histopathologically, foreign body reaction to the fibrin glue was mild, and the glue had been almost completely absorbed by 4 weeks after the anastomosis. We conclude that the use of fibrin glue adhesive for facial nerve anastomosis is useful, simple, and less traumatic to the nerve than is nylon suture.