I. Hypoglossal Facial Anastomosis: Its Significance for Modern Facial Surgery II. Combined Approach in Extratemporal Facial Nerve Reconstruction

Abstract

The difficulties encountered in extratemporial facial nerve reconstruction after extensive trauma or following resection of parotid tumors often lead to unsatisfactory functional and cosmetic results. So far it has been common practice to use as a "regenerative nerve," the original facial nerve. Using this procedure, however, frequently only a portion of the peripheral branches can be reanastomosed. Above all, the "autoparalytic syndrome" develops in this situation owing to undirected outgrowth of axons, and an aberration of the blinking-reflex motoneurons occurs. Experience has shown that the isolated use of a cross-face transplant is not suitable for satisfactory functional regeneration. Depending on the individual anatomic situation, a number of possibilities are therefore recommended for a combined approach using several "regenerative nerves." In this connection, the particular physiologic properties of these nerves have to be taken into account which can help to improve considerably the functional and cosmetic results.