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Facial Nerve Surgery in the Rat Model to Study Axonal Inhibition and Regeneration
Published on: May 5, 2020
The Facial Nerve in Contemporary Surgery: Anatomical Variability, Pathology-Induced Distortion, and Functional
Piotr Łabętowicz1,2, Nina Szczerba3,4, Łukasz Olewnik2,3
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Pathology and Histology, Mazovian University in Płock, 09-402 Płock, Poland.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Preserving facial nerve (FN) function in surgery requires understanding its complex anatomy and variations. Advanced imaging, intraoperative monitoring, and AI enhance surgical planning and outcomes for better facial nerve preservation.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Anatomy
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- The facial nerve (FN) has a complex anatomical course, making its preservation challenging in head, neck, and skull base surgeries.
- Anatomical variations and pathology-induced distortions further complicate FN integrity during surgical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current literature on facial nerve clinical anatomy.
- To examine how anatomical variation, pathology, surgical strategies, and technology impact FN preservation and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive narrative literature review (1983-2026) using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
- Included peer-reviewed articles on FN anatomy, variations, surgical techniques, and emerging technologies.
- Focused on surgically relevant anatomical details, advanced imaging, intraoperative monitoring, and reconstructive methods.
Main Results:
- Facial nerve preservation depends on anatomical variability, disease distortion, and surgical strategy.
- Vestibular schwannoma surgery complexity and outcomes are linked to nerve displacement and tumor characteristics.
- Advanced imaging (e.g., DTI) and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring improve FN localization and integrity assessment.
- AI models show promise for personalized surgical planning and prognostication.
Conclusions:
- Modern facial nerve surgery emphasizes individualized, anatomy-driven, function-preserving approaches.
- A deep understanding of FN anatomy and pathology-induced changes is crucial for surgical success.
- Future integration of multimodal imaging and AI will further refine patient management and functional outcomes.
