Nerve transplantation, or autotransplantation of peripheral nerves, is a modern method of nerve reconstruction that requires not only the operating surgeon's skill but also the application of innovative technologies. These include, for example, the use of multipotent stromal cells from adipose tissue (MSCs), plasma growth factors, and others.
The essence of a nerve transplantation surgery is to isolate fibers of a healthy nerve and transplant them into the required area without causing functional impairment in the donor site.
At the "Oberig" clinic, nerve autotransplantation surgeries are performed by Andriy Petakh —a plastic surgeon with 25 years of experience and a Candidate of Medical Sciences. He leads the multidisciplinary team of specialists who are capable of achieving positive results in treating peripheral nerve injuries.
When is nerve autotransplantation surgery indicated?
Nerve damage with the loss of motor functions (limb movement, facial expressions) resulting from household injuries, car accidents, and mine-blast or other types of combat-related trauma.
Pre-operative examination for nerve autotransplantation
Clinical and instrumental diagnostics include a physical examination of the patient with a list of general laboratory tests, as well as instrumental examinations (vascular Doppler, angiography, ultrasound), among which nerve ultrasound is of particular importance. Together with a neurologist, an ultrasound specialist, and a vascular surgeon, the plastic surgeon assesses the condition of the damaged nerve, the surrounding tissues, and determines the feasibility of a reconstructive neurosurgical intervention.
Preparation for nerve transplantation surgery
During the preparation for nerve transplantation surgery, the patient must undergo a rehabilitation program aimed at restoring passive movements in the limbs. Only if passive movements in the limb are restored does the nerve autotransplantation surgery have a prognostically higher chance of success. This is because the muscle to which the nerve is to be connected must remain "alive" and functionally viable (i.e., capable of contracting and relaxing). Neurologists and rehabilitation medicine specialists are involved in this stage of preparation.
Results of nerve autotransplantation surgery and recovery timelines
One should not expect immediate results after nerve transplantation surgery—nerve tissue regenerates at a certain rate: on average, a nerve regrows by 1 mm per day, or 3 cm per month. By using a ruler to measure the distance the nerve must regrow, we can estimate the approximate timeline for the limb's function to recover. However, even in the first few days after nerve transplantation surgery, the appearance of some symptoms (e.g., a tingling sensation in and below the surgical area) indicates that nerve regeneration has begun.
11.08.2025
Величезна подяка лікарю з золотими руками Андрію Ласловичу Петаху за успішно проведене лікування з відновлення кінцівки. Неможливо було повірити, що таке можливо - зшити ті нерви н...