<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of using polytetraflouroethylene (e-
PTFE) tube with
self-
Schwann cells implanted to repair
facial nerve defect.</p><p><b>
METHODS</b>Enzymatic digest
method was used to get pure
Schwann cells in short
time. The e-
PTFE membrane tube was used to
bridge the 1.0 cm defect of
facial nerve and pure
self-
Schwann cells were injected into the tube. As
control group, the e-
PTFE tube without
self-
Schwann cells was used in the same way. Electric physiological and histological examinations were taken in different times.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The effect of
nerve regeneration of the experimental group was better than
control group at any
time. The
nerve conduction velocity of the experimental group was 29.70 m/s in the 16th week, while the
control groups was 23.00 m/s respectively at the same
time.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is possible to obtain sufficient active
Schwann cells by enzymatic digest
method. Using e-
PTFE tube to
bridge the defect of
facial nerve with
self-
Schwann cells implanted can get effect of
nerve regeneration.</p>