The effect of aprotinin on extraneural scarring in peripheral nerve surgery: An experimental study

Extraneural scarring is one of the factors negatively influencing the resul t of peripheral nerve surgery. Many organic materials have been used to pre vent fibrosis. The effect of aprotinin on peripheral nerve scarring in rats was investigated in this study. Three types of surgical intervention were carried out; namely external neurolysis (I), abrasive injury (II), and anas tomosis (III). The coded samples which consisted of pure collagen fibers so aked with aprotinin or phosphate-buffered saline were applied around the le ft sciatic nerves of rats whereas only sham operations were performed on th e right sciatic nerves. Animals were sacrificed after 4 or 6 weeks. Neurolo gical examination, gross evaluation of extraneural fibrosis, and histologic al study were undertaken. The results have demonstrated that aprotinin is a promising agent in the prevention of extraneural scarring.