Facial Function Outcomes Research Articles

Facial Nerve Graft in Malignant Tumors: The Role of Facial Rehabilitation

Background: Oncological surgery of the parotid gland or of the temporal bone may require the contemporary sacrifice of the facial nerve (FN). In such cases, the immediate repair of the sacrificed FN is recommended. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of facial rehabilitation (FR) and, secondarily, of post-operative radiotherapy (PORT) on the FN outcome after FN sacrifice and reconstruction via cable graft. Methods: This is a multicentric retrospective study including patients affected by malignant tumors whose surgical excision required FN sacrifice and contextual FN reconstruction with a cable graft. Other FN reconstruction techniques were excluded. FN function was assessed using both House–Brackmann and Sunnybrook grading systems. Results: A total of 28 patients were included. Most of the patients underwent a total parotidectomy. The greater auricular nerve was the main donor for cable graft. FR and PORT were performed in 22 and 15 patients, respectively. In particular, 20 patients underwent neuro-muscular retraining (NMR). Patients who underwent FR had better FN outcomes compared to those who did not (p = 0.02 at 12 months and p = 0.0002 at 24 months). In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference between patients who underwent PORT and those who did not (p > 0.05). Pre-operative FN palsy is a risk factor of worse FN function outcomes after cable graft. Conclusions: Our study, even though it was limited to only 28 cases, may demonstrate that cable graft failure is not due to PORT, as widely believed among clinicians, but to the absence of a rehabilitation program. Moreover, we suggest that the key to obtaining the best possible FN function results after FN sacrifice is the association of a technically correct FN reconstruction with a proper and targeted FR.

Three-dimensional digital model of the facial nerve assisted in the excision of benign parotid tumors based on 3D-DESS-WE-MRI

This study proposes a novel surgical technique for the excision of benign parotid tumors, utilizing a extracapsular dissection guided by a three dimensional digital model of the facial nerve(3DFN-ECD) and compares its clinical efficacy with the extracapsular dissection (ECD) method. This prospective study included 68 patients with benign parotid tumors. The control group (40 patients) received the ECD treatment, while the experimental group (28 patients), underwent the 3DFN-ECD approach proposed in this study. Preoperative three-dimensional double-echo steady-state water excitation sequence (3D-DESS-WE) of MRI was employed to visualize the tumor and facial nerve, and the Mimics software was used to reconstruct a three-dimensional digital model of the facial nerve and parotid tumor. The surgical incision and facial nerve dissection were planned based on the relationship between the tumor and the facial nerve. Postoperative facial nerve function and aesthetic outcomes of the incisions were compared between the two surgical techniques. There was no significant difference in the postoperative complications between the two groups. Postoperative facial nerve function scores in the 3DFN-ECD group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 1 week (p < 0.001) and 4 weeks (p < 0.001). The incidence of temporary facial nerve paralysis was significantly lower in the 3DFN-ECD group (P = 0.036), and the visual analogue scale score for aesthetic outcomes of the surgical incision was significantly improved (p < 0.001). The novel 3DFN-ECD surgical approach proposed in this study significantly reduces the risk of facial nerve injury and improves the aesthetic outcomes of the parotid tumor surgical incision.

Long-term facial nerve outcome in surgically treated petrous bone cholesteatoma patients.

The term petrous bone cholesteatoma (PBC) represents a slow-growing epidermal lesion arising from the petrous part of the temporal bone. It is a rare incidence accounting for only 4-9% of all petrous bone lesions. PBC represents a real surgical challenge due to its complex relationship with critical neurovascular structures. To demonstrate our experience in using various options of facial nerve (FN) management during surgical treatment of PBC and analyze the long-term facial function outcomes. Retrospective medical record review in a quaternary skull-base center. Medical records of 298 PBC cases operated between the years 1983 and 2024 were thoroughly evaluated. Sanna's classification scheme was used to classify cases into the appropriate class and the House-Brackmann (HB) grading system of the FN was used to assess the facial function pre- and postoperatively. A total of 298 PBC cases were surgically treated at our center. Males constitute 68% (n = 203) of total operated PBC patients while the rest 32% (95) were females, making the male-to-female ratio 2.2:1. The age in this series ranged from 9 to 85. According to updated Sanna's PBC classification, 44% were supralabyrinthine, 33% were massive, 9% were infralabyrinthine-apical, 8% were infralabyrinthine, and 5% were apical. On preoperative FN function examination, 45% (n = 133) of patients had various degrees of paresis and complete paralysis whereas 55% (n = 165) had normal FN function. The commonest degree of paresis observed was HB-III (18.5%) followed by HB-IV (5.7%). A total of 40(13.4%) patients, however, had complete facial paralysis at the initial presentation. The facial function was compromised more frequently in supralabyrinthine and massive PBCs. Among the total patients who had an abnormal facial function at presentation, 52% had paresis/paralysis for less than a year whereas 48% had FN paresis/paralysis for greater than one year. The most commonly used surgical approaches at our center were transotic (TO), modified transcochlear type A (MTCA) with rerouting of the FN, and translabyrinthine (TLAB) with external auditory canal (EAC) closure. Intraoperatively an intact fallopian canal was found only in 33% (n = 99) cases whereas the rest 67% (n = 199) had erosion of the fallopian canal either with intact (n = 24) or infiltrated FN (n = 175). The FN was maintained in the bony fallopian canal in 35% (n = 104) cases. An active form of FN management, however, was required in 65% (n = 194) of cases either intraoperatively or as a second-stage procedure. Factors affecting postoperative FN function include age, preoperative FN function (HB), duration of paralysis, class of PBC, surgical approach, and method of active FN management. PBCs represent diagnostically and surgically challenging lesions of temporal bone which are usually frustrating to the treating surgeon. Preoperative anatomic classification of the lesion enables the physician to choose the appropriate surgical approach. Sanna's classification is the most widely accepted system used to classify PBC. This classification is based on the relation of the lesion to the labyrinthine block. Active FN management, including rerouting, end-to-end anastomosis, cable nerve grafting, and masseteric-to-FN anastomosis routinely come into play in the surgical management of PBCs, and the postoperative FN results after such interventions can be satisfactory in most cases.

Factors affecting facial nerve outcome in vestibular Schwannoma surgery

Background: Preservation of facial nerve injury is a key important factor in vestibular schwannoma surgery as facial paralysis has devastating functional and psychological consequences for patients. Objective: To correlate different factors resulting in facial nerve preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery by retro mastoid retro sigmoid approach. Method: This is a retrospective analysis of facial nerve status of 212 cases of vestibular schwannoma microsurgery through Retrosigmoid Retromastoid (RSRM) approach. This study was carried out in National Neurosurgical Referral Center(NNRC), National Academy Of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Bir hospital between January 2016 to December 2022.Preoperative and post operative details of facial nerve function status compared according to House and Brackmann (H and B) grading system, and factors influencing outcome in facial nerve preservation were analyzed. Recurrent and residual tumors were excluded. Results: A total of 212 cases of vestibular schwannoma were operated during the study period. The average age of presentation was 47 years. Most common affected age group was 51-60 years. Female to male ratio was 3:2.5. The most common clinical symptoms for vestibular schwannoma were sensorineural hearing loss followed by headache and difficulty in limb coordination. Tumor size and consistency was most important indicator of facial nerve function outcome. Conclusion: The incidence of post operative facial palsy is found to be correlated to tumor size and consistency. Improvement of the facial nerve outcome is detected in patients undergone simultaneous intraoperative monitoring (IONM).

Delayed facial palsy after resection of vestibular schwannoma: does it influence long-term facial nerve functional outcomes?

Delayed facial palsy (DFP) is a common and unique complication after resection of vestibular schwannoma (VS). Few studies have focused on the clinical question of whether patients with DFP can be expected to have the same long-term prognosis in terms of facial nerve function as those without DFP based on their facial nerve function immediately postoperatively. This study aimed to clarify the clinical impact of DFP on the long-term functional status of the facial nerve after VS resection. The authors retrospectively reviewed patients with sporadic VS who were treated surgically via a retrosigmoid approach between January 2002 and March 2020. DFP was defined as de novo deterioration of facial nerve function by a House-Brackmann (HB) grade ≥ I more than 72 hours postoperatively. The incidence of DFP after VS resection and its impact on long-term facial nerve function were analyzed. DFP developed in 38 (14.3%) of 266 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The median latency until DFP onset postoperatively was 8.5 days. When facial nerve function was normal immediately postoperatively, the rate of preservation of favorable facial nerve function (HB grade I or II) at 24 months postoperatively was 100% for all patients regardless of whether they developed DFP. In contrast, when facial nerve dysfunction was present immediately postoperatively, the rate of preservation of favorable facial nerve function at 24 months postoperatively was significantly lower in patients with DFP than in those without DFP (77.8% vs 100% in patients with HB grade II immediately postoperatively, p = 0.001; 50.0% vs 90.3% in those with HB grade III immediately postoperatively, p = 0.042). DFP development had a significantly negative impact on the long-term functional status of the facial nerve postoperatively when age, tumor size, and HB grade immediately postoperatively were taken into account (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.20; p < 0.001). DFP can be a minor complication when normal facial nerve function is observed immediately after surgery. However, when facial nerve dysfunction is present immediately after surgery, even if mild, the long-term prognosis for facial nerve function is significantly worse in patients with DFP than in those without DFP.

Has Coranavirus Disease 2019 Changed the Incidence and Outcome of Bell's Palsy?

Objectives: (1) To determine whether the incidence of Bell's Palsy (BP) increased during the pandemic. (2) To investigate whether the outcomes of patients with BP and COVID-19 infection or vaccination differ from those in the pre-pandemic era. Patients with BP were studied in 2 periods retrospectively (March 2021-March 2022 and August 2018-August 2019). A prospective study from March 2021 to March 2022 was also performed. Primary outcome was grade ≤Ⅱ in the House-Brackmann (HB) and/or >70 in the Sunnybrook facial grading system (SFGS) scales at the 12-week visit. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based SARS-CoV-2 immuonoglobulin G (IgG) test (blood) were measured. About 162 and 196 patients with BP were identified between March 2021 and March 2022 and August 2018 and August 2019, respectively. Forty-seven patients (29%) entered the prospective study; 85% had HB grades I or II, while 92% had an SFGS score of 71-100 at the last visit. Only 3 patients (6.5%) had a positive PCR during the initial episode, whereas 35 patients (77%) had positive IgG SARS-CoV-2. There was no association between positive PCR and facial function outcomes. Of the 162 patients, 105 (67%) had received COVID-19 vaccine. In 23 of them (22%), the paralysis appeared within the first 30 days after a vaccine dose. Coronavirus disease 2019 did not increase the incidence of BP. A direct association between the coronavirus and BP outcome cannot be established. The considerable number of patients developing BP within the first month suggests a possible association between COVID-19 vaccines and BP.

A retrospective study of cerebellopontine angle tumours: A single instituitional study

: Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors are rare intracranial neoplasms that arise in the region between the cerebellum and the pons. These tumors can be challenging to treat due to their complex anatomy and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Surgical intervention is often necessary to achieve a favorable outcome. The primary objectives of this retrospective study are to analyze the clinical and radiological characteristics of cerebellopontine angle tumors, identify pathological types, assess surgical resectability, and evaluate postoperative outcomes.: The study enrolled 14 patients who underwent surgical intervention for cerebellopontine angle tumors at Armed forces medical college, Pune. A retrospective analysis was performed, considering demographic data, clinical presentations, imaging characteristics and surgical outcomes.: Vestibular schwannoma was the predominant tumor type with majority of tumors manifesting between third to fifth decades. Clinical manifestation included SNHL, cerebellar dysfunction, headache and sensory trigeminal dysfunction. A substantial proportion (86%) presented with no useful hearing preoperatively. Surgical outcomes indicated varying degrees of success, with total resection achieved in a subset of cases. Notably, anatomical preservation of the facial nerve was accomplished in a significant proportion of patients. Postoperative assessments, using the House Brackmann system, revealed positive facial nerve function outcomes in a substantial percentage. Complications included cerebrospinal fluid leak (14%), meningitis(7%) and lower cranial nerve paresis (7%). : In conclusion, surgical intervention plays a crucial role in the management of cerebellopontine tumors. The choice of surgical approach should be individualized based on tumor characteristics and patient factors, with the goal of achieving maximum tumor resection while minimizing complications. Further research and advancements in surgical techniques are needed to optimize outcomes for patients with cerebellopontine tumors.

Free Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery/Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Adipofascial Flaps for Facial Reconstruction of Linear Scleroderma.

Linear scleroderma is an autoimmune connective disorder characterized by a saber-shaped facial deformity. The superficial circumflex iliac artery/superficial inferior epigastric artery (SCIA/SIEA) adipofascial flap is versatile for facial reconstruction, providing excellent aesthetic outcomes and minimal donor-site morbidity. Thus, this study aimed to share our experience of successfully treating linear scleroderma using single-stage SCIA/SIEA adipofascial flap microsurgery transplantation. To correct asymmetric facial malformations, the SCIA/SIEA adipofascial flap transplantation was performed on 5 individuals with linear scleroderma. The flap was harvested based on SCIA or SIEA patterns and diameters. Donor and recipient vessels, postoperative complications, aesthetic outcomes, and patient satisfaction were recorded. All flaps survived with zero necrosis. Regarding the donor artery, SIEA was performed on 1 patient (1 of 5) and SCIA on 2 patients (2 of 5), and the remaining 2 patients (2 of 5) used the common trunk. Patients maintained a satisfactory facial counter-correction 6 to 10 years postoperatively. The complications included localized desquamate and hypotrichosis. Free SCIA/SIEA adipofascial flaps improved facial linear scleroderma's long-term functional and morphological outcomes. This SCIA/SIEA adipofascial flap offers low mortality, invisible scars, and stable aesthetic outcomes compared with anterolateral thigh flap, parascapular flaps, and fat transplantation.

Bell's palsy in pregnancy: A scoping review of risk factors, treatment and outcomes.

There are limited studies reporting on Bell's palsy and pregnancy. Our study aimed to evaluate risk factors, current treatment options and facial function outcomes in women who developed Bell's palsy in pregnancy. To our knowledge this is the first review analyzing these factors. A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Sciences and Scopus was carried out. Studies describing risk factors, treatment and/or facial function outcomes of Bell's palsy in pregnancy were included. PRISMA-Scr guidelines were followed. The search yielded 392 abstracts, of which 15 studies were included for analysis. It was not possible to perform a meta-analysis due to small numbers and quality of studies. There were 559 patients included from the 15 studies. The third trimester was the most common time for Bell's palsy to occur (n = 364, 65%). Pre-eclampsia was the most common co-morbidity reported. The most common treatment was corticosteroids and the majority of patients had a complete recovery of their palsy (58%, n = 192). This analysis has evaluated all available data concerning risk factors, treatment and facial function outcomes of BP in pregnancy. The third trimester is the most common time for Bell's palsy to occur in pregnancy. There is currently a lack of high quality evidence into this condition in pregnancy. 1.

A phase II trial of neoadjuvant nivolumab, docetaxel, and cisplatin therapy followed by surgery and radiation therapy for resectable high-grade salivary gland carcinoma.

TPS6110 Background: Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are rare entities that contribute to approximately 5% of head and neck malignancies. The current standard therapy for resectable SGC is complete surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. However, the patients with high-grade histological subgroup tumors have the highest risk of regional and distant metastasis as the primary cause of treatment failure.. The previous evidence demonstrates that neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed a statistically significant advantage in survival for patients with head and neck cancer. Based on the success of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in preventing disease recurrence and achieving pathologic complete response (pCR) in different types of cancer, we designed this study by incorporating nivolumab combined with neoadjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with potentially resectable high-grade SGCs. Methods: This study is the phase II, open-label, single-center study of nivolumab in combination with docetaxel, and cisplatin as a neoadjuvant therapy in high-grade resectable SGCs. All the patients must be confirmed with pre-defined high-grade histology and clinically node-positive. As the representative inclusion/exclusion criteria, all the patients must not receive prior cancer therapy in advance to study enrollment, including another kind of immunotherapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Three cycles of nivolumab (360mg), docetaxel (60mg per m2), and cisplatin (60mg per m2) are applied every three weeks. Three weeks after the last treatment, the patient is re-evaluated for the surgery and will undergo surgery within seven weeks after the last treatment. Based on the surgical pathologic outcome, additional radiotherapy will be initiated between 4 to 8 weeks after the surgery per the following guidance; R0: 59.4Gy/25fx; R1 or R2: 59.4Gy/25fx with optional boost 6.6Gy/3fx. The primary objective is the major pathologic response rate defined by ≤ 10% of tumors composed of viable tumors. Complete resection rate, response rate, downstaging at pathologic staging, two-year distant metastasis free-survival, disease-free survival, overall survival, safety results, surgical outcomes of facial nerve function, completeness of post-neoadjuvant surgery will be analyzed as the secondary objectives. The sample size was calculated using H0 of mPR ≤25% and H1 of mPR ≥50%, according to the one-arm binomial model (power of 90% and one-sided alpha of 0.05). A total of 50 patients will be recruited, include 40 evaluable patients. This study is currently recruiting patients at Samsung Medical Center, South Korea. The first subject received treatment in Nov. 2022 and three patients received the treatment. The time point for the primary analyses is Q3.2025. (ONO-4538-X78). Clinical trial information: NCT05727410 .

Surgical and nonsurgical treatment outcomes in traumatic facial nerve palsy.

Facial nerve decompression surgery is performed on patients with immediate, complete traumatic facial palsy. However, the clinical advantage of the surgical treatment has weak evidence because of lack of control groups in previous studies. Therefore, this study compared facial function outcomes between the patients who underwent surgery and those who did not. Furthermore, in cases of bilateral traumatic facial palsy, the outcomes of the surgical and nonsurgical sides were also discussed. A retrospective medical chart review of immediate and severe (House-Brackman [HB] grade V and VI) traumatic facial palsy was conducted. Twenty-five ears from the surgical group and eight ears from the conservative treatment group were enrolled. Among the patients, three with immediate and severe bilateral facial palsy underwent unilateral surgery. The average HB grade after 1-year follow-up was 1.7 in the surgical group and 1.5 in the nonsurgical group. Four patients who have definite facial canal disruption in the imaging study have recovered to HB grades I-III without surgical intervention. In patients with bilateral facial palsy, the nonsurgical side showed the same or better facial functions than the surgical side. Compared with nonsurgical conservative treatment, facial nerve decompression surgery did not show superior outcomes in immediate HB grade V-VI traumatic facial palsy. The clinical advantage of facial nerve decompression is questionable and should be re-evaluated in a prospectively designed study.

Is There a Plateau to the Learning Curve for Acoustic Neuroma Resection?-Experience and Outcomes from a Single Interdisciplinary Team Over Thirty Years.

Objective The evolution of acoustic neuroma (AN) care continues to shift focus on balancing optimized tumor resection and control with preservation of neurological function. Prior learning curve analyses of AN resection have demonstrated a plateau between 20 and 100 surgeries. In this study of 860 consecutive AN surgeries, we investigate the presence of an extended learning curve tail for AN resection. Methods A retrospective cohort study of AN resections by a single interdisciplinary team between 1988 and 2018 was performed. Proportional odds models and restricted cubic splines were used to determine the association between the timing of surgery and odds of improved postoperative outcomes. Results The likelihood of improved postoperative House-Brackmann (HB) scores increased in the first 400 procedures, with HB 1 at 36% in 1988 compared with 79% in 2004. While the probability of a better HB score increased over time, there was a temporary decrease in slope of the cubic spline between 2005 and 2009. The last 400 cases continued to see improvement in optimal HB outcomes: adjusted odds of HB 1 score were twofold higher in both 2005 to 2009 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-3.22, p < 0.001) and 2010 to 2018 (aOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.49-3.19, p < 0.001). Conclusion In contrast to prior studies, our study demonstrates the steepest growth for learning, as measured by rates of preservation of facial function outcomes (HB 1), occurs in the first 400 AN resections. Additionally, improvements in patient outcomes continued even 30 years into practice, underlining the importance of lifelong learning.

Early surgery and definitive cure in small sporadic vestibular schwannoma.

To report surgical outcomes of a cohort of small sporadic vestibular schwannoma and discuss the role of early surgery. Retrospective descriptive analysis of 234 consecutive patients with small vestibular schwannoma operated on with translabyrinthine or hearing preservation surgical approaches. Outcome measures were control of disease, postoperative facial nerve function, complications and hearing outcome. A translabyrinthine approach was performed in 59% of cases, hearing preservation surgery in 40% and transmeatal approach in 1%, respectively. Complete resection was achieved in 100% of cases. Overall, postoperative major and minor complications were 8.5% in the series, with complete recovery and no sequalae. Facial nerve function at one year postoperatively was House-Brackmann scale (HB) 1-2 in 95% of cases. The rate of hearing preservation was 70% A-B-C classes of Tokyo classification and 77% AB classes of AAOHNS classification. Early surgery in small vestibular schwannoma is a valid option, due to good functional outcomes, low morbidity and definitive cure. Early surgery is associated with better outcomes when considered in relation to non-surgical treatments reported in the literature.

Physical therapy for facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy): An updated and extended systematic review of the evidence for facial exercise therapy

Objective To conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of facial exercise therapy for facial palsy patients, updating an earlier broader Cochrane review; and to provide evidence to inform the development of telerehabilitation for these patients. Data Sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PEDro and AMED for relevant studies published between 01 January 2011 and 30 September 2020. Methods Predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria were utilised to shortlist abstracts. Two reviewers independently appraised articles, systematically extracted data and assessed the quality of individual studies and reviews (using GRADE and AMSTAR-2, respectively). Thematic analysis used for evidence synthesis; no quantitative meta-analysis conducted. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017073067). Results Seven new randomised controlled trials, nine observational studies, and three quasi-experimental or pilot studies were identified (n = 854 participants). 75% utilised validated measures to record changes in facial function and/or patient-rated outcomes. High-quality trials (4/7) all reported positive impacts; as did observational studies rated as high/moderate quality (3/9). The benefit of therapy at different time points post-onset and for cases of varying clinical severity is discussed. Differences in study design prevented data pooling to strengthen estimates of therapy effects. Six new review articles identified were all rated critically low quality. Conclusion The findings of this targeted review reinforce those of the earlier more general Cochrane review. New research studies strengthen previous conclusions about the benefits of facial exercise therapy early in recovery and add to evidence of the value in chronic cases. Further standardisation of study design/outcome measures and evaluation of cost-effectiveness are recommended.

Facial nerve function and general outcome of patients operated for cerebellopontine angle tumors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a retrospective study

IntroductionCerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors consist of 10% of brain tumors. Surgical outcome is measured using functional status and cranial nerve preservation. MethodA hospital based retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was done between August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2020. Fifty-five patients operated in the study period were enrolled in this study. Our study used House Brackmann Scale and Extended Glasgow Outcome Score. Fisher’s extract test was used to identify factors associated with outcome. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. ResultThe mean age of the study participants was 36.64 years with male predominance (52.7%). Hearing loss (85%) was the commonest presentation. The mean tumor size was 4.4 cms ± 1.02. The tumors were operated through Retro-sigmoid approach without neurophysiologic monitoring. Post-operative CT scan shows GTR in 77.8%. At one year there were 66.7% patients with good facial nerve outcome, 20.8% with acceptable outcome and 12.5% with poor outcome. The post op GOS-E showed GOS-E of 8 in 25.5% and GOS-E of 7 in 23,6% of the patients. The operative mortality was high and predictors of mortality were postoperative infections (P =.003) and pre-operative facial palsy(P <.001) ConclusionOur patients presented with larger tumor sizes. The rate of functional facial nerve preservation was low and the researchers advocate for improved microsurgical techniques and acquiring neuromonitoring to improve outcome. Health facilities evaluating the patients initially should have a systemic approach to diagnose the patients earlier and refer to a capable neurosurgical facility. The overall outcome was acceptable and surgery is a better option for the management of cerebellopontine angle tumors in our set-up.

Contribution and safety of the side-to-end hypoglossal-to-facial transfer in multidisciplinary facial reanimation.

This study evaluates facial and tongue function in patients undergoing side-to-end hypoglossal-to-facial transfer (HFT) with additional techniques. Thirty-seven patients underwent a side-to-end HFT. Twelve had additional cross-face grafts, and 9 had an additional masseter-to-facial transfer. Facial was assessed with House-Brackmann (HB), Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale (SFGS), and eFACE. Martins scale and the Oral-Pharyngeal Disability Index (OPDI) were used to assess tongue function. Ninety-four percent of cases reached HB grades III-IV. Mean total SFGS score improved from 16 ± 15 to 59 ± 11, while total eFACE score from 52 ± 13 to 80 ± 5. Dual nerve transfers were a predictor for a better eFACE total score p=0.034, β=2.350 [95% CI, 0.184-4.516]), as well as for a higher SFGS total score (p=0.036, β=5.412 [95% CI, 0.375-10.449]). All patients had Martin's grade I. Mean postoperative OPDI scores were 84 ± 17 (local physical), 69 ± 16 (simple and sensory motor components), 82 ± 14 (complex functions), and 73 ± 22 (psychosocial). The side-to-end HFT offers predictable facial function outcome and preserves tongue function in nearly all cases. Dual nerve transfers appear to improve the final outcome.

P29. DEVELOPING A LONG-TERM SURVIVAL HEMI-FACIAL VASCULARIZED COMPOSITE ALLOTRANSPLANTATION SWINE MODEL TO STUDY FACIAL NERVE REGENERATION

PURPOSE: We present a survival large animal model for preclinical facial transplant research to evaluate facial nerve regeneration. METHODS: 19 survival surgeries (16 auto-transplant, 3 allotransplant) were performed to develop and validate a hemi-facial composite flap based on the external carotid artery and vein. Assessment of nerve regeneration using serial compound muscle action potentials (CMAP), electroneurograms (ENG) and histology in a 3-4 month survival model was established. Immunosuppression in allotransplanted pigs started on POD-3 and maintained with weight-based Cyclosporin (CSA) (target levels of 200-300), mycophenolic acid and prednisone. Postoperative course and complications were documented. RESULTS: The buccal branch was selected to assess nerve regeneration using nerve conduction studies. In our allotransplant and auto-transplant models, minor wound breakdown and sialoceles in early postoperative period were managed conservatively or with superficial debridement. There were no flap losses. No systemic infections were experienced in the allotransplanted pigs (n=3); one pig developed an abscess requiring debridements, extended antibiotics usage, but had complete resolution at 8 weeks. At 3 months nerve regeneration reached 75% distance to target muscle with comparable ENG to normal side in auto-transplanted Sinclair mini-pig group (n=5), but a slower rate of regeneration in the allotransplanted group (n=3). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates proof of concept for an allotransplant large experimental animal model for research to inform post-surgical care to improve facial nerve regeneration and functional outcomes.

Intracapsular Enucleation of Intraparotid Facial Nerve Schwannoma with Intratemporal Extension.

Intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma is a rare condition, which is difficult to preoperatively diagnose without a definite biopsy, yet the diagnosis is important for surgical planning and avoiding accidental injury to the facial nerve. Considering the benign indolent nature of the schwannomas, the management should be prioritized on the long-term tumor control with special attention to the facial nerve function and facial cosmesis. Microscope-assisted intracapsular enucleation is an excellent treatment option for such lesions. Our patient showed House–Brackmann grade II facial function after the surgery. This technique is safe and offers a favorable outcome of facial nerve function.

Outcome of Postoperative Facial Nerve Function Following Electromyographic Facial Nerve Monitoring During Parotidectomy for Benign Lesions: a Retrospective Study.

Does use of Facial nerve monitors during parotidectomy decrease incidence of facial paralysis/paresis without useof facial paresis?This study was done to compare the incidence, grade and risk factors of facial palsy in patients undergoing parotidectomy for benign parotid lesions with and without use of facial nerve monitor. This is a retrospective study. Eighty parotid patients operated for benign parotid lesions from 2013 to 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Demography details, history of the patients, history of addictions, clinical examination findings, investigation findings like the biopsy report, FNAC report, imaging i.e., CT / MRI / USG, use of intraoperative facial nerve monitor, time taken to identify the facial nerve, postoperative facial nerve palsy, facial nerve stimulation test and recovery time were analysed. Fifty patients were operated without use of facial nerve monitor, and 30 patients were operated using facial nerve monitor. Postoperative facial nerve complications were seen in 28 out of 80 patients (35%). Postoperative facial nerve complications were observed in 5 out of 30 patients (20%) in whom facial nerve monitoring was used. Marginal mandibular nerve palsy was observed in 4 patients and 1 patient had weakness of both marginal mandibular and orbital branches. While in postoperative facial nerve complications were observed in 25 out of 50 patients (50%), marginal mandibular nerve palsy was observed in 15 patients (40%), grade 3 facial palsy was observed in 3 out of 50 patients (6%), and grade 4 facial palsy were observed in 2 out of 50 patients (4%). The use of intraoperative FNM significantly lowered the incidence of paralysis.

Preoperative Facial Nerve Palsy in Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma: Clinical Features and Postoperative Functional Prognosis in a Case Series of 34 Among 1228 Consecutive Patients.

Facial nerve palsy is a rare presenting symptom of vestibular schwannomas and has not been investigated in detail. To investigate the incidence, clinical features, and postoperative long-term outcomes of facial nerve function in patients with vestibular schwannomas causing preoperative facial nerve palsy. After excluding patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 and those with prior treatment, 1228 consecutive patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma surgery were retrospectively investigated. Patients with and without preoperative facial nerve palsy were compared statistically to clarify their clinical features. Preoperative tumoral facial nerve palsy was seen in 34 patients (2.8%). Their clinical features included older age, having large cystic tumors with significant meatal extension, and showing abnormal electrogustometric responses, compared with patients without preoperative facial nerve palsy. Owing to the frequent insufficient intraoperative responses on facial nerve electromyography, the tumor resection rate was lower in the group with preoperative facial nerve palsy (mean: 95.2%). Among the 33 patients with sufficient follow-up data (mean: 63.9 mo), additional treatment was required only in 1 patient and facial nerve function improved in 25 patients (75.8%) within 2 yr postoperatively. Facial nerve palsy is a rare preoperative symptom that occurs in less than 3% of patients with vestibular schwannoma. Tumor resection in such patients tends to be challenging owing to their advanced age, having large cystic tumors with significant meatal extension, and difficulties in intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, but surgical decompression of the facial nerve can assist in the improvement of their long-term functions.