설하신경-안면신경 문합술에 의한 안면신경마비 교정술

Hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis for reinnervation of the paralysed face

The surgical treatment of facial palsy is a difficult task for oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Every effort must be made to determine the etiology since treatable cause can be found. The most effective way to rehabilitate the paralyzed face is by direct nerve suture or autogenous nerve graft. Today, transplantation of the muscle by microvascular anastomoses is used, if there is long standing palsy. When the central nerve stump is not available and mimetic muscles are still functioning, the hypoglossal-facial nerve crossover is a valuable surgical procedure. This case report of hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis is intended to establish a framework of the advantage and disadvantage, and the indications of this technique.