Comparison Between End to End, and Supercharge End to Side Nerve Transfer in Male Albino Rats; Experimental Study

Background: Peripheral nerve injuries are a significant clinical challenge, often resulting in functional impairments due to the disruption of nerve continuity and the subsequent loss of muscle innervation. The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of supercharge end-to-side (SETS) nerve transfer on peripheral nerve regeneration in male albino rats. Methods: This experimental study involved 12 male albino rats, each weighing between 200-350 grams. The rats are divided into two groups based on the surgical procedure performed: Group A: End-to-end nerve repair (n=6). Group B: SETS nerve transfer (n=6). All rats underwent surgery under proper anesthesia, administered as ketamine intraperitoneally. After 12 weeks post-operation, the rats were sacrificed, and the posterior tibial nerves were extracted. A 1 cm segment proximal and distal to the epineurial repair site will be examined histopathologically. Results: The study results showed significant differences in the neurotization index and the regenerating nerve fibers number between the groups, particularly in the distal segment, where the SETS nerve transfer (Group B) and RETS neurorrhaphy (Group B) demonstrated superior outcomes compared to traditional end-to-end repair (Group A). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the value of SETS nerve transfer in enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration in male albino rats which resulted in significantly improved nerve regeneration, particularly in distal segments, compared to the traditional end-to-end repair method. The findings suggest that these techniques hold promise for improving outcomes in clinical settings where robust nerve regeneration is critical for functional recovery.