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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This systematic review investigates the recent literature and aims to determine the approach, efficacy, and timing of facial nerve decompression with or without grafting in temporal bone fractures with facial palsy. RECENT FINDINGS: The surgical management of facial palsy is reserved for a small population of cases in which electrophysiologic tests indicate a poor likelihood of spontaneous recovery. The transmastoid (TM), middle cranial fossa (MCF), and translabyrinthine (TL) approaches to the facial nerve provide access to the entire intracranial and intratemporal segments of the facial nerve. In temporal bone (TB) related facial palsy, the peri-geniculate and labyrinthine portions of the facial nerve are most commonly affected by either direct trauma and/or subsequent edema. When hearing is still serviceable, the combined TM/MCF approach provides the best access to these regions. In the presence of severe sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), the TL approach is the most appropriate for total facial nerve exploration (this can be done in conjunction with simultaneous cochlear implantation if the cochlear nerve has not been avulsed). Grade I to III House-Brackmann (HB) results can be anticipated in timely decompression of facial nerve injury caused by edema or intraneuronal hemorrhage. Grade III outcomes, with slight weakness and synkinesis, is the outcome to be expected from the use of interpositional grafts or primary neurorrhaphy. In addition to good eye care and the use of systemic steroids (if not contraindicated in the acute trauma setting), surgical decompression with or without grafting/neurorrhaphy may be offered to patients with appropriate electrophysiologic testing, physical examination findings, and radiologic localization of injury. SUMMARY: Surgery of the facial nerve remains an option for select patients. Here, we discuss the indications and results of treatment as well as the best surgical approach to facial nerve determined based on patient's hearing status and radiologic data. Controversy remains about whether timing of surgery (e.g., immediate vs. delayed intervention) impacts outcomes. However, no one with facial palsy due to a temporal bone fracture should be left with a complete facial paralysis.

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BACKGROUND: The neurovascular conflict (NVC) at the brainstem exit zone of the facial nerve is considered the primary etiology of primary hemifacial spasm (HFS). Therefore, microvascular decompression (MVD) has become the preferred treatment for HFS. Successful neurovascular decompression can achieve significant therapeutic effects, and accurately identifying the site of compression is crucial for the success of this surgery. Detailed diagnostic neuroimaging plays an important role in accurately identifying the site of compression.The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility and predictive value of preoperative visualization assessment of the neurovascular relationship in HFS using 3D Slicer software based on multimodal imaging fusion. This aims to reduce the omission of responsible vessels and lower the incidence of postoperative complications, thereby potentially improving the efficacy and safety of the surgery. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 80 patients with HFS who underwent MVD surgery. All patients underwent preoperative cranial MRI scans, including the 3D-FIESTA and the 3D-TOF MRA sequences. Three-dimensional models were reconstructed from the multimodal MRI images using 3D Slicer software. Independent observers, who were blinded to the surgical outcomes, evaluated the neurovascular relationships using both the three-dimensional models and multimodal MRI images. The assessment results were compared with intraoperative findings, and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0 software. RESULTS: The agreement between preoperative assessment using the 3D-TOF MRA sequence combined with the 3D-FIESTA sequence and intraoperative findings was represented by a Kappa value of 0.343, while the Kappa value for agreement between three-dimensional reconstruction and intraoperative findings was 0.637. There was a statistically significant difference between the two methods ( X2 = 18.852, P = 0.001 ). The sensitivity and specificity of the 3D-TOF MRA sequence combined with the 3D-FIESTA sequence for evaluating neurovascular relationships were 92.4% and 100%, respectively, while for three-dimensional reconstruction, both were 100%. The Kappa value for agreement between preoperative the 3D-TOF MRA sequence combined with the 3D-FIESTA sequence prediction of offending vessels and intraoperative findings was 0.625, while the Kappa value for agreement between three-dimensional reconstruction and intraoperative findings was 0.938, showing a statistically significant difference ( X2 = 317.798, P = 0.000 ). The Kappa value for agreement between preoperative the 3D-TOF MRA sequence combined with the 3D-FIESTA sequence assessment of the anatomical location of facial nerve involvement in neurovascular compression and intraoperative findings was 0.608, while the Kappa value for agreement between three-dimensional reconstruction and intraoperative findings was 0.918, also showing a statistically significant difference ( X2 = 504.647, P = 0.000 ). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative visualization assessment of neurovascular relationships in HFS using 3D Slicer software based on multimodal imaging fusion has been demonstrated to be reliable. It is more accurate than combining the 3D-TOF MRA sequence with the 3D-FIESTA sequence and shows higher consistency with intraoperative findings. This method provides guidance for surgical procedures and thereby potentially enhances the efficacy and safety of surgeries to a certain extent.

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BACKGROUND: Outcomes of pediatric facial reanimation beyond 10 years are not known. This cross-sectional study evaluated long-term surgical and patient-reported outcomes of adults who underwent smile reconstruction as children with either a cross-face nerve graft (CFNG) or masseter nerve transfer at least 10 years previously. METHODS: Commissure excursion was quantified with FACE-Gram software at 3 time points: preoperatively, early postoperatively within 2 years, and at long-term follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated with validated questionnaires (Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale, FACE-Q 1.0) and thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. Results are reported as median (interquartile range [IQR]). RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were included (26 women and 16 men). Median long-term follow-up was 19.3 years (IQR, 8.8 years) for CFNG and 17.6 years (IQR, 5.8 years) for masseter nerve transfer. For both groups, commissure excursion increased significantly from preoperative to early postoperative time points and remained stable at long-term follow-up (P < 0.0001). Commissure excursion at long-term follow-up between the 2 groups was not significantly different (CFNG, 5.0 mm [IQR, 9.4 mm]; masseter nerve transfer, 8.4 mm [IQR, 4.1 mm]); P > 0.05). For patient-reported outcomes, median Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale score was 72 of 100, and 95% of respondents agreed with the statement "I am pleased with the result" on the FACE-Q 1.0. Overall quality of life was rated at 7 of 10 or greater by 97% of participants, and all participants would recommend the surgery to other children. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric facial reanimation with CFNG or masseter nerve transfer reliably improves commissure excursion with longevity beyond 10 years. Adult patients report overall high satisfaction and social functioning.

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BACKGROUND: Temporal bone dissection is overwide recognized as an ideal training method for otologic surgeons. The knowledge of temporal bone anatomy and especially of the course of infratemporal facial nerve is pivotal in practice. The 3D exoscope is an innovative and promising tool, that was recently introduced in ear surgery. METHODS: A high-definition 3D exoscope (3D VITOM®) mounted on the VERSACRANETM holding system (Karl Storz) was used to perform two temporal bone dissection, with the aim to study the anatomy of infratemporal facial nerve. The 3D endoscope (TIPCAM®1 S 3D ORL, Karl Storz) was used in combination to provide a close-up high-quality view and to provide a different angle of view on fine anatomical relationships. RESULTS: The high-definition 3D exoscope allowed to conduct the dissection with high quality visualization and to share the same surgical field with trainees. Moreover, it showed a high interchangeability with the 3D endoscope. CONCLUSIONS: 3D 4 K Exo-endoscopic temporal bone dissection seems to have benefits in terms of educational purpose, especially concerning anatomy understanding. The superiority in teaching value of this tool should be further investigated in cohort studies.

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Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical interventions ofjugular foramen paragangliomas（JFP） utilizing modified surgical techniques, tensionfree anterior rerouting of the facial nerve and tunnel-packing or push-packing of the inferior petrous sinus. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 88 patients diagnosed with JFP and treated at the Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University（in Shanghai, China） from October 2010 to June 2021. The surgical outcomes were analyzed for tumor classification, intraoperative conditions, and function of the postoperative facial nerve（FN） and lower cranial nerve（LCN）. Results:The study included a total of 88 patients, gross total resection was achieved in 70 patients（79.5%）, near total resection was obtained in 17 patients（19.3%）, and one patient undergoing subtotal resection. The average of intraoperative blood loss was 448.3 mL. Additionally, 24 patients underwent surgical total anterior rerouting（TAR）, 18 patients underwent surgical total FN tension free anterior rerouting（TF-TAR）, and 18 patients underwent surgical FN partial FN tension free anterior rerouting（TF-PAR）. Good postoperative FN function（House-Brackmann Ⅰ-Ⅱ） was achieved in 62.5% of TAR group. In the TF-TAR and PF_TAR groups, good postoperative FN function was demonstrated in 88.9% patients. It showed a significantly improvement of the FN function following application of tension-free FN anterior rerouting technique（P=0.007）. Twenty patients（22.7%） suffered from at least one LCN deficit in the preoperative evaluation. The postoperative LCN deficits was correlated with the Fisch classification of tumors, which showed a lower incidence of LCN dysfunction in classes C1-C2（4.9%, 2/41cases） and poorer outcomes of LCN dysfunction in classes C3-D（8.5%,4/47cases ）, it was likely less impacted the LCN function in the early stage tumor. Conclusion:The application of modified surgical techniques of FN tension-free anterior rerouting and tunnel-packing of the inferior petrous sinus has been shown to effectively preserve the function of the FN and LCN, decrease intraoperative blood loss, and ultimately improve patients' postoperative quality of life.

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BACKGROUND: The ideal goal of treatment for medium to large vestibular schwannoma is complete tumor removal with preservation of all cranial nerves. However, despite the advancements in microsurgery and intraoperative monitoring, the risk of facial nerve dysfunction following total resection varies between 31% and 57%. Currently, the goal of treatment for large tumors is shifting from total excision to facial nerve preservation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the facial nerve outcome in patients who underwent subtotal excision with or without subsequent gamma knife radiosurgery for large vestibular schwannomas in our institute. METHODS AND MATERIAL: All patients who underwent primary surgery for large vestibular schwannomas between January 2012 and December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Cases where total excision was not done and a residue was left behind to prevent facial nerve injury during surgery were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. At final follow-up, 70% of patients had good facial nerve function (H-B grade 1 and 2). In patients with normal facial nerve function preoperatively, 81% (25/31) of them had good facial nerve outcomes (H-B grade 1 and 2), whereas in patients with preexisting facial nerve deficits, nearly 62% (13/21) of them either maintained or had improvement in their facial nerve grades. CONCLUSION: Good facial nerve outcomes and tumor control rate is obtained by subtotal excision of VS followed by upfront or delayed GKRS; however, there is a need for long-term follow-up to detect recurrences in these slow-growing tumors.

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Preserving the function of the facial nerve is extremely important in surgery for vestibular schwannomas. Two methods of arachnoid dissection are described for resection of vestibular schwannoma via retrosigmoid approach (from the brain stem and internal auditory canal). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of arachnoid dissection of the facial nerve from internal auditory canal when resecting the vestibular schwannoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 61 patients with vestibular schwannomas. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on surgical technique. We estimated facial nerve function before and after surgery, preoperative dimension of vestibular schwannoma and extent of resection. The influence of various factors on extent of resection and postoperative facial nerve function was studied. RESULTS: Vestibular schwannoma resection from the brain stem was performed in 30 patients, arachnoid dissection - in 31 patients. There was no significant between-group difference. Gross total resection was performed in 78.7% of cases. Both techniques demonstrated similar results regarding extent of resection. Arachnoid dissection showed the advantage regarding facial nerve function immediately after surgery (p=0.012) and 6 months later (p<0.001). Normal facial nerve function in 6 months after arachnoid dissection was observed in 80.7% of patients. Preoperative dimension of tumor influenced facial nerve function in addition to technique of resection (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: We identified the factors influencing facial nerve function after resection of vestibular schwannoma. Surgical technique was the most significant factor. These data expand and popularize arachnoid dissection in surgery of vestibular schwannomas.

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PURPOSE: This paper describes a new surgical procedure with electrical stimulation of the facial nerve for unresolved Bell's palsy and compares the facial nerve recovery with another group who underwent traditional middle cranial fossa decompression. RECENT FINDINGS: All patients with total unilateral facial paralysis had surgery by the senior author 3 months from onset of Bell's Palsy. Surgical decompression was performed in 13 patients between 1992-2012 (Group 1). Surgical exposure with intraoperative electrical stimulation of the facial nerve in the peri-geniculate region was performed in 47 patients between 2012-2022 (Group 2). The facial recovery at 1 month and 3 month were significantly better in Group 2. The degree of synkinesis was significantly less in Group 2. The trans-mastoid electrical stimulation of the facial nerve is less invasive, requires no hospital stay, and less time off work compared to the middle cranial fossa approach. The earlier facial movement at one month results in less long-term unwanted faulty regeneration or synkinesis.

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BACKGROUND: Head and neck surgical simulation training (SST) is an important part in otolaryngology head and neck surgical education. In this study, we provide a live porcine model for SST in recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and facial nerve (FN) dissection for otolaryngology head and neck residents. METHODS: A lecture with surgical manual is provided to illustrate the surgical landmarks of pig, and step-by-step procedures for thyroid and parotid surgery, as well as neck dissection. We used 4-month-old pig weighting 32 kg for the SST. The mentor demonstrated result of RLN injury with continuous nerve monitoring. Participants used monopolar stimulation probe (4 pulse/s, 100 µs, 3-8 mA; Medtronic) to identify and intermittent monitor the RLN and FN during the SST. After the dissection course, we conducted a questionnaire survey to check the effectiveness of this training model. RESULTS: Total 30 participants were recruited, including 16 female and 14 male resident doctors. There were 1, 4 and 25 learners for 3rd year, 4th and 5th years residents, respectively. Before this training course, 53 % (16/30) and 63 % (19/30) had successful experience in finding the RLN and FN, respectively. After the SST, all of our participants had successful identify the RLN and FN (p-value <0.01); all had positive response to stimulation and familiar with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The live porcine model is effectiveness in SST for RLN and FN dissection. Live porcine model with real-time RLN and FN monitoring should be provided for otolaryngology head and neck resident training.

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<b>Introduction:</b> The choice of treatment of vestibular schwannoma (VS) depends on several factors, including the tumor size, the patient's age and overall health, and the presence and severity of symptoms.<b>Aim:</b> The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of intentional subtotal resection (STR) of tumor followed by Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in patients with larger VS (Koos 3 and 4).<b>Materials and methods:</b> The retrospective analysis was performed on 18 patients. Data of VS volumes measured in MRI, the facial nerve function assessed in the House-Brackmann scoring system (HB), and the results of audiological examination expressed on the Gardner-Robertson scale (GR) were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and post-GKS.<b>Results:</b> Preoperatively, the main symptom was hearing loss observed in 13 out of 18 patients. The facial nerve function was assessed as HB 1 in 16, whereas HB 2 in 2 patients. The mean volume of the tumor in the initial MRI amounted to 16.81 cm³ . Postoperatively, the facial nerve was assessed as HB 1 or 2 in 16, whereas HB 3 in 2 patients. Serviceable hearing was presented by only 4 persons. The Mean diameter of the tumor after subtotal surgery amounted to 3.16 cm³ , 1.83 cm³ after GKS, and 1.58 cm³ at the last follow-up. The facial nerve function and hearing level remained the same as before GKS in all patients.<b>Conclusions:</b> STR followed by GKS can be a safe and effective method of treatment of large VS concerning the functional outcome of the facial nerve and the tumor volume growth control.

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The authors aim to present an updated protocol for mandibular reconstruction in nongrowing patients with Pruzansky/Kaban type IIb/III congenital craniofacial microsomia with customized temporomandibular joint (TMJ) prosthesis to reduce facial nerve (FN) damage and improve surgical accuracy. This is illustrated (using 3 cases) and is based on preoperative mapping of the FN using MRI for better virtual surgical planning of custom-made TMJ prosthesis. Intraoperative FN mapping and monitoring, as well as verification of the final result with intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D-reconstructed images is also achieved. All 3 patients presented mild transient postoperative facial palsy due to surgical soft tissue stretching which resolved within 2 months of surgery. All patients presented proper occlusion and mouth opening without pain, with an average incisal opening of 38.8 mm (range 35.5-42 mm) at two months of follow-up. Moreover, superposition of intraoperative and preoperative 3D reconstruction images ensured surgical accuracy and avoided the need for a potential reintervention. In conclusion, the proposed surgical protocol for mandibular reconstruction with customized alloplastic TMJ prosthesis in nongrowing patients with type IIb/III Pruzansky-Kaban congenital mandibular hypoplasia may reduce FN morbidity, improve surgical accuracy and final outcomes.

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BACKGROUND: In microvascular decompression (MVD) procedures for hemifacial spasm (HFS), surgeons often encounter a rhomboid lip which may obscure the root exit zone (REZ) of the facial nerve. This study aims to explore the anatomical variations of rhomboid lips and their surgical implications to improve safety and effectiveness in MVD surgeries. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 111 patients treated for HFS between April 2021 and March 2023. The presence of a rhomboid lip was assessed through operative video records, and its characteristics, dissection methods, and impact on nerve decompression outcomes were further examined. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were reviewed for detectability of the rhomboid lip. RESULTS: Rhomboid lips were identified in 33% of the patients undergoing MVD, with a higher prevalence in females and predominantly on the left side. Two distinct types of rhomboid lips were observed: membranous and cystic variations. The membranous type was noted for its smaller size and position ventral to the choroid plexus. In contrast, the cystic variation was distinguished by its larger size and a thin membrane that envelops the choroid plexus. Preoperative MRI successfully identified rhomboid lips in only 21% of the patients who were later confirmed to have them in the surgical procedures. Surgical approaches primarily involved incisions on the dorsal wall and along the glossopharyngeal nerve root, with only limited need for extensive dissection from lower cranial nerves. Immediate spasm relief was observed in 97% of the patients. One case exhibited a lower cranial nerve deficit accompanied by brainstem infarction, which was caused by the dissection from the lower cranial nerves. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing the two variations of the rhomboid lip and understanding their anatomical structures are essential for reducing lower cranial nerve injuries and ensuring effective nerve decompression.

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BACKGROUND: Facial nerve (FN) dysfunction is a potential complication during open reduction of mandibular condylar fractures. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the postoperative FN function following transparotid (TP) and transmasseteric anterior parotid (TMAP) operative approaches in open reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures using electromyogram. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: A randomized controlled clinical trial was designed. The study was conducted in a single tertiary-care hospital in the inpatient setting. Patients aged above 18 years with unilateral condylar fracture of the jaw or bilateral condylar fractures undergoing surgery on only 1 side were included. Patients were excluded if they had fractures of the head, bilateral condylar fractures with surgery planned on both sides, a previous history of surgery in the retromandibular area, existing lacerations to approach condyle, preoperative signs of FN weakness, or a history of parotid surgery. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The predictor variable was the operative approach and the subjects were allocated randomly to TMAP and TP. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The primary outcome variable was postoperative FN function in the surgical approach employed using the House-Brackmann scale and electromyography (EMG) to record any subtle weakness in nerve function. The FN function is recorded at 3 time intervals postoperatively 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), and 3 months (T3). The secondary outcomes studied were operating time and any other complications recorded. COVARIATES: Age, sex, fracture pattern with classification of condylar fractures into condylar neck or base fractures according to Loukata et al.4 Any associated fracture of mandible describing the anatomical location viz symphysis and parasymphysis (anterior mandible), body, contralateral condyle or greater than 1 associated fracture were recorded. Similarly, the presence or absence of any associated midface fracture was also recorded to suggest that the study participants were homogenous in all aspects. ANALYSES: Analytical statistics included χ2 test, t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA followed by post hoc test to compare EMG data (mean power and mean amplitude) between 2 operative approaches (TP vs TMAP) for facial muscles including frontalis, oculi, and buccinator at different time intervals (T0, T1, T2, T3). Patients within each group were also analyzed to check for nerve recovery occurring during the follow-up period. The level of significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 22 patients with a mean age of 32.82 ± 11.21 years in TMAP and 27.82 ± 8.54 years in the TP group respectively (P = .26); male predominance of 81.8 and 90.9% in TMAP and TP group respectively (P = .53) was noted. The FN deficit as assessed by the House-Brackmann scale clinically, was at 54% (T1), 36.4% (T2), and 9.1% (T3) for the TP group and 27% (T1),9% (T2), and 0% (T3) for TMAP group; however, the results were statistically insignificant (P = .31). In surface EMG evaluation, the mean power for the frontalis muscle was significantly higher in the TMAP approach at the T3 time (105.03 ± 9.7 vs 89.56 ± 10; 95% confidence interval -24.28 to -6.65 with P value = .002). TP approach was faster with a mean exposure time of 9.9 minutes. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The results show that both approaches give comparable long-term results with the TMAP group showing better frontalis muscle activity.

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BACKGROUND: This retrospective study evaluated the outcomes of patients undergoing one-stage resection of VII/VIII schwannomas and hemihypoglossal-facial neurorrhaphy via the translabyrinthine approach (TLA). METHODS: The study encompassed ten consecutive patients with unilateral hearing loss (six women, four men, mean age: 49.5 ± 12.1 years) who underwent surgery. The cohort included two patients with vestibular schwannomas (VSs), four with facial nerve schwannomas (FNSs) (two originating from the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve and two from the cerebellopontine angle), one with VS regrowth, and three with residual VSs. Preoperative facial nerve function, assessed using the House-Brackmann (HB) scale, was Grade V in one and Grade VI in nine patients. The mean preoperative duration of facial paralysis was 7.5 ± 6.9 months. RESULTS: All patients underwent gross total resection. Postoperatively, one patient experienced cerebrospinal fluid leaks, which were successfully managed with lumbar drains and surgical revisions. At follow-up, facial nerve function improved in all patients: HB Grade V to III in one, HB Grade VI to III in one, HB Grade VI to IV in seven, and Grade VI to V in one. No tumor recurrence was observed during the follow-up period (mean duration: 16.6 ± 9.3 months), and no patient had hemilingual atrophy. CONCLUSION: The TLA for one-stage resection of VII/VIII schwannomas and facial nerve reconstruction is effective in treating both regrowth and residual VSs and FNSs in the cerebellopontine angle or petrosal bone in patients with severe preoperative facial palsy. This technique facilitates simultaneous tumor removal and nerve anastomosis, thereby reducing the need for multiple surgical interventions in patients with hearing loss and compromised facial nerve function.

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BACKGROUND: Facial nerve hemangiomas (FNHs) are rare tumors that primarily occur near the geniculate ganglion in the temporal bone. Despite their rarity, they can cause significant facial nerve dysfunction. The optimal management approach for FNHs remains uncertain, with surgery being the mainstay but subject to debate regarding the extent of resection and preservation of the facial nerve. METHODS: Systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We queried the PubMed/Medline (accessed on 5 March 2024) electronic database using combinations of the following search terms and words text: "geniculate ganglion hemangioma", "ganglional hemangioma", "hemangioma of the facial nerve", "facial hemangioma", and "intratemporal hemangioma". RESULTS: We identified a total of 30 literatures (321 patients). The most common site involved for the facial nerve hemangioma was the geniculate ganglion area followed by internal auditory canal, tympanic segment, labyrinthine segment and mastoid involvement. All patients were treated with conservative management or surgery. We report a 48-year-old female patient with HB grade 2 facial palsy and hemifacial spasm underwent SRS using Cyberknife technology. The treatment targeted the FNH in the left internal acoustic canal near the geniculate ganglion. Six months post-treatment, clinical improvement was evident, and lesion control was confirmed in a follow-up brain MRI. CONCLUSION: The rarity of FNHs contributes to the lack of consensus on optimal management. This illustrative case demonstrates the feasibility of SRS as a standalone treatment for FNHs.

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Purpose: Ciprofol is a recently developed short-acting gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist with a higher potency than that of propofol. As a new sedative drug, there are few clinical studies on ciprofol. We sought to examine the safety and efficacy of ciprofol use for general anesthesia in neurosurgical individuals undergoing neurosurgical surgery with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM). Patients and Methods: This single-center, non-inferiority, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 13, 2022 to September 22, 2023. 120 patients undergoing elective microvascular decompression surgery (MVD) with IONM were randomly assigned to receive either ciprofol or propofol. The primary outcome of this study was the amplitude of intraoperative compound muscle action potential decline, and the secondary outcome included the indexes related to neurophysiological monitoring and anesthesia outcomes. Results: The mean values of the primary outcome in the ciprofol group and the propofol group were 64.7±44.1 and 53.4±35.4, respectively. Furthermore, the 95% confidence interval of the difference was -25.78 to 3.12, with the upper limit of the difference being lower than the non-inferiority boundary of 6.6. Ciprofol could achieve non-inferior effectiveness in comparison with propofol in IONM of MVD. The result during anesthesia induction showed that the magnitude of the blood pressure drop and the incidence of injection pain in the ciprofol group were significantly lower than those in the propofol group (P<0.05). The sedative drug and norepinephrine consumption in the ciprofol group was significantly lower than that in the propofol group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Ciprofol is not inferior to propofol in the effectiveness and safety of IONM and the surgical outcome. Concurrently, ciprofol is more conducive to reducing injection pain and improving hemodynamic stability, which may be more suitable for IONM-related surgery, and has a broad application prospect.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the facial nerve recovery of patients with traumatic facial nerve transections after tension-free end-to-end nerve epineural anastomosis during the acute phase. A total of 11 patients with traumatic facial nerve transections during the acute phase were surgically treated in the authors' department from November 2016 to August 2022. The case data and imaging data were collected from the patients, and the House-Brackman evaluation system of the facial nerve was applied to assess the recovery of facial nerve function, and the higher the grade, the worse the facial nerve function. Of the patients, 90.9% recovered to H-B grade II or below, and there were differences in the degree of recovery of the facial nerve function among the branches, and the ones that recovered to H-B grade II or below after surgery were 100% of the zygomatic branch, of which 80% were H-B grade I, 100% of the buccal branch, of which 44.4% were H-B grade I, 88.9% of the marginal mandibular branch, and 66.7% of the temporal branch. The study showed that the recovery rate of young patients was better than that of middle-aged and old people, and the best recovery of each branch of the facial nerve was the zygomatic branch, followed by the buccal branch, the marginal mandibular branch, and the worse was the temporal branch.

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BACKGROUND: Microvascular conflicts in hemifacial spasm typically occur at the facial nerve's root exit zone. While a pure microsurgical approach offers only limited orientation, added endoscopy enhances visibility of the relevant structures without the necessity of cerebellar retraction. METHODS: After a retrosigmoid craniotomy, a microsurgical decompression of the facial nerve is performed with a Teflon bridge. Endoscopic inspection prior and after decompression facilitates optimal Teflon bridge positioning. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscope-assisted microsurgery allows a clear visualization and safe manipulation on the facial nerve at its root exit zone.

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OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical features and surgical outcomes in patients with congenital absence of the oval window (CAOW), and to investigate the potential factors that affect audiologic results. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. SETTING: A tertiary academic center. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: A total of 17 ears among 16 patients were confirmed to have CAOW. Among them, 13 ears underwent vestibulotomy for hearing reconstruction. Clinical parameters associated with the hearing outcomes were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A mean air-bone gap (ABG) after 6-month and long-term follow-up was compared with preoperative measurements. RESULTS: Intraoperative findings showed that anomalies of the malleus or incus were observed in 11 ears (64.7%), stapes anomalies were present in all ears (100%), and facial nerve anomalies were present in 10 ears (58.8%). Because of unfavorable facial nerve anomalies, hearing reconstruction was aborted in four cases (23.5%). In the hearing reconstruction group, the mean ABG at 6 months postoperation was significantly reduced after compared with the preoperative value (44.0 ± 8.4 dB versus 58.8 ± 9.1 dB, p = 0.006). After dividing ears into a success subgroup (ABG ≤ 30 dB, seven ears) and non-success subgroup (ABG > 30 dB, six ears), the use of a drill during vestibulotomy was significantly related to a poor hearing outcome (100% versus 16.7%, p = 0.015). The long-term follow-up result (mean, 60 mo) revealed no deterioration compared with the 6-month postoperative result. Five ears (29.4%) underwent revision surgery, and three of them showed ABG improvements. No serious complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Vestibulotomy is an effective and safe option for hearing restoration in patients with CAOW, particularly when the use of a drill is not required. The long-term audiologic outcome is also reliable.

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