Endoscopic trans-canal facial nerve decompression in Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: A novel approach

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome can cause recurring bilateral facial paralysis. When steroids fail, surgical decompression of facial nerve is recommended, with endoscopic trans-canal decompression as a safe, minimally invasive, and effective option.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neuro-mucocutaneous disorder, clinically diagnosed by a triad of orofacial swelling, recurrent facial palsy, and fissured tongue. Due to the lack of a comprehensive understanding of MRS, there is no accepted standard of care. In this study we report a 30-year-old female patient, who was referred to the otolaryngology clinic of Rasool Akram Hospital, with classical triad of MRS that was managed by endoscopic trans-canal facial nerve decompression. Bilateral endoscopic trans-canal facial nerve decompression was done when we did not find any improvement with systemic steroids. Endoscopic trans-canal facial nerve decompression could be a safe, reliable minimal invasive treatment of facial paralysis in MRS patients. It needs no external incision or temporal bone drilling which makes this method more convenient for patients with shorter recovery time.