[Hypoglossal-facial anastomosis. A report of 60 cases]

The authors report their experience of 60 cases of hypoglosso-facial anastomosis. The results of this retrospective series were analysed by the same examiner according to the House and Brackmann classification. The surgical technique is rapidly described, with emphasis on the important points. The results are analysed as a function of the interval between the anastomosis and facial paralysis: better and more rapid results are obtained when surgery is performed early (80% of grade 3 with immediate surgery versus 50% in very late surgery after more than 4 years). However, grade 3 or 4 can be obtained in every case, even in the case of very late surgery. Other favourable prognostic factors were revealed by this study: specialized rehabilitation and especially the patient's psychological must be integrated in this nerve transfer. In view of these good results and the limited adverse effects (atrophy of the hemi-tongue, eye-mouth synkinesias), hypoglosso-facial anastomosis must be part of the therapeutic strategy of total, permanent facial paralysis.