Hypogloso-facial Anastomoses

Overview

Background:
The author presents the results of reconstruction operations of facial nervelesions performed in their department in 1998-2000.Material and methods: In four patients an anastomosis of the facial nerve with the hypoglossalnerve (HFA) was made. All operations were made under the microscope. The anastomoseswere sutured without tension behind the perineurium. The technique of facial nerve suture didnot differ from sutures of peripheral nerves of the extremities.The results were objectified by the VI grade Brudny modification of House-Brackmann’sclassification.Results and conclusion: After HFA reconstruction operations in all instances grade III wasachieved. Hemiatrophy of the tongue was observed in all patients treated by cross anastomosiswith the hypoglossal nerve. In HFA anastomoses in a state of agitation or prolonged talkingslight synkinesias were observed in the area of the lower oral commissure and chin. Grossdyskinesias were not observed in any patients.

Key words:
reconstruction operations of the facial nerve - hypoglosso-facial anastomosis -treatment.