Abstract: Objective　To observe the effect of using polytetraflouroethylene(e-PTFE) tube with self-Schwann cells implanted to repair facial nerve defect.Methods　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 ex- aminations were taken in different times.Results　The effect of nerve regeneration of the experimental groupwas betterthan con- trol group at any time. The nerve conduction velocity of the experimental groupwas 29·70 m/s in the 16thweek, while the control groups was 23·00 m/s respectively at the same time.Conclusion　It is possible to obtain sufficient active Schwann cells by en- zymatic digest method. Using e-PTFE tube to bridge the defect of facial nerve with self-Schwann cells implanted can get effect of nerve regeneration.

Key words: facial nerve, Schwann cells, polytetraflouroethylene, nerve regeneration