Transcanal Endoscopic Facial Nerve Decompression in Posttraumatic Facial Paralysis: A Tertiary Care Experience

Abstract

Purpose: Facial nerve decompression (FND) for traumatic facial palsy with lesion at geniculate ganglion and tympanic segment can be done through transcanal approach, by a microscope or an endoscope without opening the mastoid. The study analyzes the outcomes of transcanal endoscopic approach (TEA) for FND with regard to improvement in facial nerve (FN) function and hearing status, in lesions limited to perigeniculate and tympanic segment of FN. Methodology: This was a retrospective analysis of the case series from a tertiary care center, of the patients with posttraumatic FN paralysis, surgically treated with TEA. From January 2014 to December 2018, nine patients of traumatic facial palsy were selected for surgery. The patients posted for surgery were selected only when they had immediate-onset FN paralysis after trauma and not responding to treatment of systemic corticosteroid for 14 days with, House Brackmann grading (HBG) IV–VI, lesions confined to perigeniculate ganglion and tympanic segment of FN. Outcome analysis following TEA for FND was performed in terms of postoperative FN function and hearing improvement. Results: The TEA showed a postoperative improvement of FN function (HBG I/II) in 77.7% of patients within 6-month follow-up period. There was no significant improvement in FN function between 6th and 12th month. Postoperative hearing improvement was seen in eight cases, and there was no improvement in one case due to preoperative sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion: TEA for FND is a direct approach for lesions confined to perigeniculate ganglion area and tympanic segment without involvement of mastoid segment of FN. It requires minimal bone drilling, provides proper visualization, and accurate surgical site assessment. Surgeries performed even in late presentations may have favorable outcomes.