The masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis for facial paralysis: report of 57 cases

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*Xuesong Liu

West China Hospital, China

: J Otol Rhinol

Abstract

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Several methods of neural rehabilitation for facial paralysis have been described. The purpose of this study is to report on a series for dynamic reinnervation of the paralyzed face by using masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis. The goals of this procedure are to provide good facial reinnervation. Methods: 57 patients who had facial paralysis admitted to our department from 2015-2019. All of them had underwent acoustic neuroma surgery before. 57 cases underwent masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis. The House-Brackmann scales of all the patients were recorded when they admitted and 12 months later after the masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis surgery respectively. The side effect of masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis were analyzed. Results: The degree of HB scales was IV in 21 patients, V in 20 patients and VI in 16 patients before the anastomosis. After the masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis, all the patients were follow-up to 6-12 months. 44 patients achieved excellent HB scales in I or II. 10 patients had HB scales in III and 3 patients did not change compare the scale before the surgery. The eye will blink is the main side effect when the patient masticated. Conclusion: The masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis provides good rehabilitation of facial nerve paralysis. This technique may provide a favorable alternative to the traditional method of hypoglossalfacial nerve anastomosis.

Biography

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Xuesong Liu is an ENT/Neurosurgeon in West China Hospital. He is fellow of NYU Langone medical center. He is member of AANS and CNS of USA.