Use of the disposable stapler to insure proper fixation of a transferred muscle in treatment of facial paralysis.

The authors introduce the use of a disposable stapler to create a stable muscle end in transferring a free neurovascular muscle segment for the treatment of facial paralysis. This procedure allows the firm fixation of the fragile soft end of a muscle transferred to the nasolabial region of a paralyzed face, and avoids adhesion and tethering of the muscle end to the skin, which may result in inaccurate positioning of a newly-created nasolabial fold and an asymmetrical smile. Transection and hemostasis at both ends of the harvested muscle segment also can be achieved simultaneously. Although the disposable stapler incurs additional cost, it can greatly improve the result of a free neurovascular muscle transfer for the treatment of facial paralysis, as well as simplify harvesting of the muscle segment. No complications and problems have been encountered in stapling the muscle.