Hemihypoglossal-Facial Nerve Transfer: Technical Description and Key Points: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Abstract

Irreversible facial palsy, generally post-traumatic or postsurgical, can have devastating consequences for the patient from a functional, aesthetic, and psychological point of view. Among all of the reconstructive techniques, the hemihypoglossal-facial nerve transfer, which avoids the complete section of the hypoglossal nerve, is preferred by senior authors because of its excellent results and very low morbidity.1-5 This technique can be carried out in any neurosurgical center because it requires only basic instruments of microsurgery and a high-speed drill. However, detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the facial nerve in both its intrapetrosal and extracranial segments and of the hypoglossal nerve in its cervical segment is essential.1,6,7 Thus, previous practice in a cadaveric laboratory is recommended. The purpose of this video is to describe the technical nuances and key points of hemihypoglossal-facial nerve transfer. It was made using the surgical videos of 5 patients with a complete and irreversible facial paralysis who were operated using this technique in our institution between May and September 2019, all of whom consented to the procedure and to use for scientific purposes. The footages were edited, making a film in which the surgical technique is described in a stepwise fashion, emphasizing its most important features. To conclude, we would like to emphasize that the timing of surgery is of utmost importance and that this technique is both effective and reliable. Figures in the video at 00:54 and 01:35 are reprinted by permission from CCC: Springer Nature, Acta Neurochirurgica, Treatment of complete facial palsy in adults: comparative study between direct hemihypoglossal-facial neurorrhaphy, hemihipoglossal-facial neurorrhaphy with grafts, and massater to facial nerve transfer.