In order to investigate the best suture method for repair of a facial nerve lesion, three different types of with and without collagen tube End-to-end anastomosis protection were performed in 43 cats. The degree of regeneration was measured according to clinical, electro-physiological and histological methods. The best functional results were achieved by cutting the nerve ends in an oblique fashion and by securing the anastomosis with 9:0 Perlon sutures under magnification afforded by the operating microscope. Wrapping of the anastomotic area has not improved the end result of regeneration of nerve fibers. Therefore, collagen tubes should only be used for splinting nerve stumps when this is necessary and when the advantages which can be obtained by their use will outweigh the disadvantages.