ABSTRACT
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.
