Abstract
Objective
1) Report the incidence and outcome of delayed facial nerve palsy following middle ear surgery in our department, and 2) review the medical literature.
Methods
This is a retrospective chart review study of 833 patients who were operated for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma (572 patients), otosclerosis (192 patients), and profound hearing loss who received a cochlear implant (68 patients) since 1993.
Results
Delayed facial nerve palsy was observed in 10 patients (1.2%). In all cases, immediate postoperative facial nerve function was normal and the palsy occurred 5 to 8 days postoperatively. Facial nerve function recovered in all patients within 6 months. Assessment and management issues are discussed.
Conclusions
Delayed facial nerve palsy may rarely occur following middle ear surgery and has an excellent recovery rate.
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