[Primary measures in facial nerve injuries].

Anterior to a vertical line across the lateral angle of the eyelids it is not mandatory to restore the continuity of a single transected branch of the facial nerve. The marginal branch of a facial nerve has always to be restored and a repair has to be performed if several neighbouring facial nerves are involved. A primary repair is indicated because only at the day of injury and a few days after, before Wallerian degeneration occurs, the localization of the peripheral stump by electrostimulation is possible. In the middle third of the extratemporal course of the facial nerve each branch has to be repaired and primary repair is advocated. If the main trunk of the facial nerve is involved, early secondary repair by a surgeon experienced with facial nerve surgery is the treatment of choice.