About
Our nerves are like special cables which carry messages to our brain and other parts of the body.
When a nerve becomes damaged, it may stop sending these signals, causing numbness and inability to use your muscles. During nerve repair surgery, your surgeon will reconnect the ends of the nerve. This aims to restore function to the area over time.
Nerve damage is most often caused by traumas and previous surgeries.
Need to know
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What happens icon plus
Nerve repair surgery happens under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will trim any damaged tissue from the nerve ending (the peripheral nerve in hand surgery) and realign the fibres within the nerve using a microscope. The nerve is then reattached. If the surgeon has to cut a lot of damaged nerve from the end, it may be too short to reattach. Here, a nerve from elsewhere in the body may be used in its place (nerve grafting). -
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will explain the procedure and how to prepare. They'll also answer any questions you may have. You won't need to stay overnight and can go home after your surgery. You should arrange to have someone take you home as you won't be able to drive. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. -
Afterwards icon plus
Strengthening the newly attached nerve fibres is vital and physiotherapy plays a key role in recovery. After approximately three weeks, your physiotherapist will help you with certain exercises to help restore function. They may also use electrical sensory and motor stimulation to aid recovery of the repaired nerve. These exercises will gradually intensify, until function improves.
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
London NW8 9LE
Appointments 0207 483 5148
Enquiries 020 3131 7478
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 5AH
Children's enquiries 020 7390 8020
Maternity enquiries 020 7390 6068
Gynaecology enquiries 020 7390 6200 -
Peripheral Nerve Injury (PNI) Unit
The PNI Unit at The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
London NW8 9LE
Call 020 7483 5232
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Elstree Waterfront Outpatients Centre
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road
Elstree WD6 3BS
Call 020 3907 4500
Request an appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.