Results of 89 peripheral nerve biopsies studied only by paraffin sections are analysed to determine the abnormalities incidence, and in what extent a general pathology laboratory can help in final diagnosis of patients with peripheral nerve disorders. 37% normal nerve biopsies and 63% with some histological alteration were found; only in 22% the nosological diagnosis was possible. A discussion about the low incidence of nosological diagnosis is made, and a literature revision on routine nerve biopsies. It is concluded that nerve biopsies should be done only in special cases, particularly when other diagnostic methods failed, taking into account always the limitation of the method, and preferently studying a clinically involved nerve.