Nerve repair surgery 

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).

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.

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.