Commentary

Dr. Roland and his colleagues present a modification of the hypoglossal-facial nerve graft procedure for facial paralysis. Multiple variations of the technique have been performed with the goal of obtaining a tensionless anastomosis between the hypoglossal and facial nerves. The current modification offers a novel technique of mobilizing the facial nerve to the hypoglossal nerve. In most techniques, both nerves are mobilized to meet each other. The advantage of their technique is preservation of hypoglossal function while obtaining equivalent reanimation outcomes. In the armamentarium of facial nerve reanimation, this technique, with good reanimation results and preservation of the hypoglossal nerve, should be considered.