Treating facial nerve palsy by true termino-lateral hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis

Abstract

Hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis is a time-proven technique for the repair of facial nerve palsy. Efforts have been made to reduce hypoglossal nerve injury, the main drawback of the technique. In this study, the anastomosis is a true termino-lateral neurorrhaphy with only an epineural window in the hypoglossal nerve sheath. A re-routing technique of the temporal facial nerve is also performed to allow a direct anastomosis to the hypoglossal nerve without the need for a jump graft. The first three results reported are very encouraging, with a satisfactory return of facial mimics and without any impairment of lingual function.