[End-to-side type of plastic repair of the facial nerve branches]

In 19 rabbits, lower branches of facial nerve were experimentally sectioned and sutured to its middle branches to form a 'side to end' pattern with 2 to 3 epineural sutures. Morphological investigation showed that regenerating axons of the middle branch penetrate into the sutured trunk and grow further. The technique was applied in 7 patients. Full functional recovery was evidenced in 4 of them. The technique is recommended for clinical routine.