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Hypoglosso-facial nerve anastomosis

The hypoglosso-facial nerve anastomosis (HFA) is a valuable surgical procedure for the treatment of certain types of facial paralysis. HFA was performed 1 to 22 months after resection of an acoustic neurinoma in 32 patients where the operation was complicated by unilateral facial palsy. 56% of these patients obtained excellent facial function, and a total of 66% were satisfied and would have repeated the operation even with their present knowledge about the disadvantages. The recovery of facial function after any nerve anastomosis or plastic procedure is never perfect but HFA usually results in symmetry of the face in response and animation of the face during conversation. HFA is most effective when used as soon as possible after facial palsy has developed, provided a sufficient time has passed for any possible spontaneous recovery. This waiting period should not exceed six months. If the operation is done promptly the results improve, probably because only slight atrophy has occurred in the facial muscles. The disadvantages of HFA are hemiatrophy of the tongue, mass movement of the face and, in some instances, hypertonia of the face. The advantages are improved facial tone with ameliorated cosmetic result, protection of the eye, intentional facial movements controlled by the tongue, and movements associated with physiological function of the tongue.