Partial hypoglossal to facial nerve anastomosis for reinnervation of the paralyzed face in patients with lower cranial nerve palsies: technical note.

Reanimation of the paralyzed face in patients who have coexisting lower cranial nerve palsies is a difficult management problem. Classic hypoglossal to facial nerve anastomosis may be devastating in these already compromised patients. We describe a technique of partial hypoglossal to facial anastomosis that can preserve hypoglossal nerve function and provide adequate facial reanimation.