Endoscopic harvesting of the sural nerve graft: A cadaveric investigation

This study investigated an endoscopic technique of harvesting the sural ner ve graft. Using endoscopic instrumentation, the sural nerve was harvested f rom six cadaveric legs. A 2-cm longitudinal incision was made immediately p osterior to the lateral malleolus, and a 5-mm endoscope was introduced. The path of the nerve was followed to the popliteal space, and nerve dissectio n was performed from proximal to distal. Air inflation of a balloon was use d to enlarge the endoscopic cavity. The cavity created around the nerve was insufflated with carbon dioxide gas, allowing complete nerve isolation. Us ing a 0.5-cm transverse incision, the nerve was cut and removed. This endos copic sural nerve grafting approach offers, potential advantages such as le ss injury to soft tissues, decreased pain, nerve integrity preservation, an d good aesthetic results.