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Nerve repair

Surgery to repair an damaged nerve

Nerve injury causes numbness and loss of movement — our HCA UK surgeons specialise in complex nerve repair surgery

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What is nerve repair surgery?

Nerve repair surgery aims to restore feeling and muscle use in a damaged area — it's a complex and delicate surgery.

Our nerves are like special cables which carry messages to our brain and other parts of the body.

When a nerve becomes damaged or injured, 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

  • What happens during nerve repair surgery? 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.

  • After nerve repair surgery 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.
Consultant in theatres

Our nerve injury consultants

We're proud to work with leading orthopaedic and neurosurgical experts, specialising in injuries to the peripheral nerves, and whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

Our locations

From complex nerve surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, such as nerve conduction studies, we provide exceptional nerve injury care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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