The complex anatomy of the facial nerve puts it at high risk for injury from trauma or some surgical procedures. Some patients with cancer affecting the facial nerve may require resection of part of the nerve, which may then need to be reconstructed.
Damage, trauma or transection of the facial nerve can result in facial weakness or paralysis. If injury is suspected, you will be scheduled for an initial consultation with Dr. Yver for an examination and discussion of possible surgical options. Sometimes a facial nerve exploration is recommended. This is typically performed in the outpatient surgery center at UPMC Shadyside under general anesthesia. A cosmetic facelift incision is used to access and explore the facial nerve. Sometimes it is helpful to decompress the nerve or remove scar tissue. If the nerve is transected, it may be possible to repair it under the microscope. In some cases a nerve graft may be borrowed from a small incision in the neck or lower leg.