Reanimation surgery in patients with acquired bilateral facial palsy

Publication date: April 2017
Source:British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 55, Issue 3
Author(s): D.P. Butler, K.S. Johal, D.H. Harrison, A.O. Grobbelaar
Acquired bilateral facial palsy is rare and causes difficulty with speech and eating, but dynamic reanimation of the face can reduce the effect of these problems. Of 712 patients who had these procedures during our study period, two had an acquired bilateral facial paralysis. In both, reanimation was completed in a single operation using a free-functional transfer of the latissimus dorsi muscle that was coapted to the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve. Both patients achieved excellent non-spontaneous excursion and an improvement in function. Careful evaluation of the available donor nerves including thorough examination and electromyographic testing should always be completed before operation.



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