[Otoendoscopic tympanic segment and ganglion geniculi of facial nerve decompression via the attic approach].
OBJECTIVE
To research the practicability of otoendoscopic tympanic segment and ganglion geniculi of facial nerve decompression via the attic approach and the advantage of the operative procedure.


METHODS
12 patients with traumatic peripheral facial paralysis following temporal bone fracture (n = 11) and radical mastoidectomy (n = 1) underwent otoendoscopic tympanic segment, pyramidal segment or ganglion geniculi of facial nerve decompression via the attic approach. The injured positions were estimated before operation by high resolution CT scan, Schirmer test, acoustic reflex, taste test and hearing examination.


RESULTS
The facial muscle function of 6 cases (50%) recovered totally at time of discharge by Hosuse-Brackmann Standard. After 2-10 months of following up, 4 cases (33.3%) recovered totally and 2 cases (16.7%) remained light to medium facial paralysis. After operation, the hearing level unchanged (n = 8), descended (n = 2) and improved (n = 2) with auditory ossicle dislocation before operation.


CONCLUSIONS
Otoendoscopic assisted tympanic segment and ganglion geniculi of facial nerve decompression via the attic approach can reach the target convenient and minimally destroyed normal structure. It is a mini-invasive approach for facial nerve decompression.
Qiu
Jianhua
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032.
Qiao
Li
L
Chen
Fuquan
F
Huang
Weiguo
W
Wang
Jinling
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000601:surgery; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005830:Geniculate Ganglion / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D038781:Otoscopy / Q000379:methods*