title: [Facial nerve repair techniques].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Post-operative facial function was analyzed in 14 patients undergoing different techniques for facial nerve repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España. pablocasas2@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Casas-Rodera
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lassaletta
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: María José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Sarriá
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gavilán
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007002:Hypoglossal Nerve / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*