A novel chitosan adhesive film that incorporates the dye ‘Rose Bengal’ (RB) was used in conjunction with a green laser to repair transected rat median nerves in vivo. Histology and electrophysiological recording assessed the impact of the laser‐adhesive technique on nerves. One week post‐operatively, the sham‐control group (laser‐adhesive technique applied on un‐transected nerves) conserved the average number and size of myelinated fibres in comparison to its contralateral side and electrophysiological recordings demonstrated no significant difference with un‐operated nerves. Twelve weeks after the laser‐adhesive anastomoses, nerves were in continuity with regenerated axons that crossed the anastomotic site.