Surgical Pearls for Safe and Precise Decision-Making during Modified Selective Neurectomy Surgery.

Abstract

In this short communication: (1) A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulaton stimulator is a cost-effective solution for the predictable stimulation of mimicry and for precise decision-making. (2) Positioning a simple shatterproof mirror in front of an operated facial half enables the primary surgeon to simultaneously see and stimulate at the operative site and to scrutinize the mimicry for decision-making. (3) A misconception in the literature regarding colors used for tagging "branches for transection" and "branches for preservation" is clarified, and a third tag-color is suggested for times of ambiguity. (4) The principle of distal execution of the surgery and technical considerations are underlined for maximal transection and maximal preservation. The modified selective neurectomy surgery is the current golden standard of post facial paralysis synkinesis treatment, and developing a learning curve in this type of surgery is like walking a tightrope, where the surgeon must keep pushing the limits with precise decision-making and a small margin of error. It is important to be reminded that the first aim is primum non nocere, and the second aim is to improve the condition of patients as much as possible. The above-mentioned principles and solutions increase precision and safety, assisting surgeons to achieve better outcomes.