Twenty-Five-Year Outcomes of Treatment of Irreversible Facial Paralysis with Gillies and McLaughlin Techniques.

Data on treatment outcomes of surgical correction of irreversible facial paralysis is rare and long-term outcomes are scarce in the literature, making treatment choices difficult for operating surgeons. This study evaluated 25-year outcomes of treatment of irreversible facial paralysis with Gillies and McLaughlin techniques with a focus on general functional and age-related functional outcomes. Data of all patients who underwent surgical correction of facial paralysis using either Gillies or McLaughlin procedure between 1994 and 2018 were included in the analysis of this retrospective, single-centre study (n = 154). Gillies surgery was performed on 12 and McLaughlin technique on 33 patients. Gillies and McLaughlin surgeries were associated with high patient satisfaction (75-86%), low complication rates (8-24%), and achievement of full or partial eyelid closure in 75% as well as smile reanimation in 97% of patients operated. Achievement of resting facial symmetry was low for both techniques and ranged from 27 to 46%. Age-related functional outcomes were generally superior in middle-aged patients (21-59 years) with fewer complications and reoperations compared to younger and older patients. Surgical correction with Gillies or McLaughlin dynamic muscle support techniques yielded good clinical results with high patient satisfaction and should, therefore, be included as a treatment option for facial reanimation of irreversible facial paralysis. Patient age may play a role in treatment outcomes and reoperation and complication rates and should be taken into careful consideration during treatment planning.

© 2020 S. Karger AG, Basel.