J Reconstr Microsurg 1995; 11(5): 347-350
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006551
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Endoscopic Retrieval of the Sural Nerve

Geoffrey G. Hallock
  • Division of Plastic Surgery, The Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1995

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

The rapid proliferation and applications of endoscopic-guided systems have transcended all surgical specialties. The future as regards reconstructive microneurosurgery is uncertain but inevitable, as already characterized by efforts to seek an alternative method for harvest of the sural nerve. Although still a primitive technique, endoscopic assistance in the retrieval of long, sural-nerve grafts has been found to minimize the trauma and morbidity of dissection; can simplify identification of frequently anomalous branches; and allows a reduction of the number of incisions, to improve the aesthetic result.