Descending branch of hypoglossal nerve-facial nerve transfer: a novel effective technique for facial nerve defects after parotid gland tumor resection

doi:10.19438/j.cjoms.2025.05.008

Abstract

Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcome of descending branch of hypoglossal nerve-facial nerve transfer for facial nerve defects after parotid gland tumor resection. METHODS: Two patients with facial nerve defects after parotid tumor resection underwent descending branch of hypoglossal nerve-facial nerve transfer. The House-Brackmann (H-B) scale, Terzis scale and Symmetry scale of oral commissure were used to assess the facial nerve function. RESULTS: The descending branch of hypoglossal nerve-facial nerve transfer was performed in two patients, for the facial nerve defects after parotid tumor resection. The descending branches of hypoglossal nerve were directly transfered to the zygomatic branch and buccal branches in one patient, while the inferior buccal branch and marginal branch for the other. Follow-up results revealed that two patients had good recovery of facial nerve functions, with no symptoms of tongue movement deviation or muscle atrophy. And the patients' speech and swallowing functions were quite normal. CONCLUSIONS: Descending branch of hypoglossal nerve-facial nerve transfer is an effective technique, which can be performed simply and easily. This technique provides a novel clinical strategy for functional reconstruction of complex facial nerve defects after parotid tumor surgery.

Key words: Descending branch of hypoglossal nerve, Facial nerve defect, Parotid gland tumor, Facial palsy, Reconstruction

CLC Number:

Ye Qicheng, Lu Hao, Xu Wanlin, Liu Shengwen, Yang Wenjun, Zhang Chenping. Descending branch of hypoglossal nerve-facial nerve transfer: a novel effective technique for facial nerve defects after parotid gland tumor resection[J]. China Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2025, 23(5): 476-482.

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