Intracranial facial nerve anastomosis.

Abstract

A technique of intracranial facial nerve anastomosis using fenestrated collagen splints was used in eight patients operated upon for acoustic neuroma or glomus temporale tumor. This technique is rapid and simpler than suturing in the cerebellopontine angle. Clinical results are as good as or even better than those obtained with more peripheral facial nerve anastomosis or grafting. An animal study demonstrated no undue histologic reaction to the collagen splints.