Combined Sequential Bilateral Hypoglossal-to-facial and Masseter-to-facial Transfers for Bilateral Facial Paralysis

Abstract

Bilateral facial paralysis is a challenging situation requiring complex management. Surgical treatment can include nerve transfers, mainly masseter-to-facial, or muscle transfers, gracilis free flap, or temporalis transposition. Deciding on the surgical option depends on the duration of the paralysis and the feasibility of facial muscles. We present the case of a 10-year-old child with permanent bilateral facial paralysis after brainstem tumor surgery. The patient was treated with bilateral simultaneous hypoglossal-to-facial transfer followed by bilateral simultaneous masseter-to-facial 12 months later. After 23 months of follow-up and specific physical therapy, she has good and symmetric resting tone, complete eye closure, moderate bilateral smile excursion, mild lip pucker movement, and good oral competence. The combination of these two nerve transfers, when possible, gives the opportunity of restoring movement taking the best of each technique, with acceptable results and no significant clinical deficits in the donor sites.