What is a Nerve Transfer?

A nerve transfer is a surgical procedure in which a portion of a healthy nerve is transferred to the site of a damaged nerve. This procedure is performed to restore normal function at the injured site. Healthy nerves that are near the site of injury and have a similar function to the injured nerve are ideally selected as donor's nerves to improve surgical outcomes. 

Indications for Nerve Transfer

Indications for nerve transfer include:

• Proximal peripheral nerve injury
• Upper limb trauma with damage to nerves
• Brachial plexus injury
• Spinal cord root avulsion injury
• Partial nerve injury
• Failed primary nerve repair
• Segmental nerve loss

Preparation for Nerve Transfer

In preparation for a nerve transfer you should:

• Inform your doctors of any preexisting medical conditions and medications you are on as certain medications may need to be discontinued a few days before surgery. 
• Inform your doctor of any allergies that you have.
• Follow any specific instructions given by your surgeon that may be applicable to your condition.

Procedure for Nerve Transfer

The nerve transfer is usually performed using microsurgery techniques. 

• General anesthesia will be administered.
• A small incision will be made on the skin at the target site and at the site of injury
• Using an electrical stimulus, the function of both nerves will be monitored.
• Your doctor will mobilize and excise the donor nerve from its site and will transfer it near to the injured nerve.
• The end of the donor nerve (healthy nerve) is joined to the injured nerve from which healthy nerve fibers develop. 
• Your doctor will then suture the incisions closed following the procedure.

Post-operative Care Instructions for Nerve Transfer

After the surgery, your doctor will dress the incision site with a bulky dressing to limit movement and be removed after 3 weeks. You may be provided with non-steroidal pain medications to relieve pain. Your surgeon will order physical therapy to help retrain your brain to use the transferred nerve.

Risks and Complications of Nerve Transfer

Risks and complications of nerve transfer include:

• Bleeding
• Allergy
• Infection
• Failed nerve regeneration