[Suture of lingual nerve: Technical note].
BACKGROUND
Because of its anatomical position, the lingual nerve may be severed during oral surgical procedures, such as third molar removal. Early suturing of the nerve promotes better recovery. We describe the end-to-end suture of this nerve.


METHODS
The suture is carried-out under general anesthesia. The approach is made in the mouth floor, in the same way as for submandibular gland lithiasis transoral removal. This approach allows good exposure and some laxity to displace the nerve stumps. The latter can then be sutured under microscope assistance before closing the mucosa.


CONCLUSIONS
Lingual nerve suture is a simple, quick and inexpensive procedure. Unlike other procedures, it cannot be used in case of large loss of substance because of the small amount of laxity of the nerve. Nerve function recovery is better if performed before the 6th post-traumatic month, and in young patients.
Service de stomatologie et chirurgie maxillofaciale, centre hospitalier universitaire de la Timone, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France. Electronic address: juliegarconnet@yahoo.fr.
J
J
Garconnet
Service de chirurgie maxillofaciale et chirurgie plastique, hôpital Nord, chemin des Bourrely, 13915 Marseille cedex 20, France.
J-M
JM
Foletti
Service de chirurgie maxillofaciale et chirurgie plastique, hôpital Nord, chemin des Bourrely, 13915 Marseille cedex 20, France.
L
L
Guyot
Service de stomatologie et chirurgie maxillofaciale, centre hospitalier universitaire de la Timone, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France.
C
C
Chossegros
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008036:Lingual Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D061222:Lingual Nerve Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013537:Sutures; D014059:Tongue / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects
Lingual nerve; Microchirurgie; Microsurgery; Nerf lingual; Suture