Facial reanimation using hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis after schwannoma removal.

Conclusion: In this series, the split type hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis resulted in more favorable outcomes in terms of both facial function and tongue atrophy. Objective: This study compared surgical techniques for hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis after schwannoma removal and evaluated which technique achieves better facial outcomes and less tongue morbidity. Method: This study included 14 patients who underwent hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis after schwannoma removal and were followed for more than 1 year. Three surgical techniques were performed: end-to-end, end-to-side, and split anastomoses. Facial palsy and tongue atrophy after anastomosis were evaluated using the scales suggested by House-Brackmann and Martins, respectively. Tumor volume and the time to surgery were also evaluated, and the effects on facial outcomes were analyzed. Results: Overall, nine of 14 (64.3%) patients had favorable facial outcomes, and eight of 14 (57.1%) had favorable tongue outcomes. Regarding facial palsy, five of seven (71.4%) end-to-end, three of four (75%) split, and only one of three (33.3%) end-to-side patients had favorable facial function. Regarding tongue atrophy, all three (100%) end-to-side, three of four (75%) split, and two of seven (28.6%) end-to-end patients had favorable tongue outcomes. The effects of tumor volume and time to surgery on facial outcome were not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)