[Hypoglossofacial anastomois. Analysis and results on 12 cases and comparison with results of facio facial anastomosis].

Regular facial clinical testing (G. Freyss) and surface integrated electromyography was employed to quantitatively assess the course of 12 hypoglossofacial anastomoses. Recovery was complete after an average period of 4 months, the time before conducting anastomosis (2 to 14 months after onset of facial paralysis) not affecting the quality of results obtained. Age significantly influenced recuperation of remaining tone, but this was always superior to 70 p. cent in relation to the other half of the face. Motor recovery was not affected by age, and was a mean of 51 p. cent after one year (50 to 70 p. cent when compared with the normal half of the face). Lingual sequelae were minimal, early physical therapy compensating for the inevitable resulting synkinesis. Results after hypoglossofacial anastomosis are compared with those obtained by faciofacial anastomoses (published in 1980). The former is a simpler and more rapid technique which produces more constant results and leads to earlier recovery (4 instead of 9 months after faciofacial anastomosis. Tone is also improved and motility satisfactory.