I had the sural nerve biopsy done in 1997...when skin biopsies weren't common.

They took almost 6 cm of the sural nerve (which is the normal amount), so there is NO way there is any feeling below this point. So of course, I have permanent numbness on the outside of my lower leg and outside of my foot. I will NEVER have any feeling there any more.

Was it worth it?? Well, we got good information that was helpful...but at a huge cost!! Would I do it again knowing what I would experience?...NO.

I also had HORRIFIC phantom nerve pain for about 9 months!!

It is rarely done nowadays, except for certain situations. I would get a second opinion on whether this test (vs fat pad) will give the better information.

Let me clarify something, it is not, "damage it 'can' leave"...it is damage it WILL leave. You can't take 4-6 cm of nerve and not have permanent damage. There is no way to reattach the nerve with this much being taken.