[Facial nerve repair techniques].

OBJECTIVE: Post-operative facial function was analyzed in 14 patients undergoing different techniques for facial nerve repair.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The aetiology of facial paralysis included vestibular schwannomas, facial schwannomas, cranioencephalic trauma, and iatrogenic lesions.

RESULTS: The mean interval between paralysis and reconstruction surgery was 6 months, although in 2 cases it exceeded 12 months. The first facial signs of recovery were achieved around the sixth month post-operatively, in every patient. All patients achieved a facial function graded III or IV in the House-Brackmann scale, equivalent to a grade II or III on the May scale. There were no differences between the surgical techniques compared, both termino-terminal anastomosis and hypoglossal-facial anastomosis.

CONCLUSIONS: The surgical reconstruction techniques for facial nerve repair should be known by all ENT surgeons. At least facial symmetry at rest and complete eye closure are achieved in almost every patient when the procedure is carried out at the proper time.