Using an end-to-side interposed sural nerve graft for facial nerve reinforcement after vestibular schwannoma resection. Technical note

J Neurosurg. 2006 Dec;105(6):920-3. doi: 10.3171/jns.2006.105.6.920.

Abstract

Increasing rates of facial and cochlear nerve preservation after vestibular schwannoma surgery have been achieved in the last 30 years. However, the management of a partially or completely damaged facial nerve remains an important issue. In such a case, several immediate or delayed repair techniques have been used. On the basis of recent studies of successful end-to-side neurorrhaphy, the authors applied this technique in a patient with an anatomically preserved but partially injured facial nerve during vestibular schwannoma surgery. The authors interposed a sural nerve graft to reinforce the facial nerve whose partial anatomical continuity had been preserved. On follow-up examinations 18 months after surgery, satisfactory cosmetic results for facial nerve function were observed. The end-to-side interposed nerve graft appears to be a reasonable alternative in cases of partial facial nerve injury, and might be a future therapeutic option for other cranial nerve injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods*
  • Craniotomy
  • Electromyography
  • Facial Muscles / innervation
  • Facial Nerve / surgery*
  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Microsurgery / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Intraoperative
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / diagnosis
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / surgery*
  • Peripheral Nerves / transplantation*

Substances

  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive