[Facial nerve decompression for Bell's palsy].

Fifty-six cases of Bell's palsy that were examined and diagnosed with neuro-otologic and electrodiagnostic methods were treated with facial nerve decompression. Transmastoid posterior tympanotomy decompression of the facial nerve from the geniculate ganglion to the stylomastoid foramen was performed. The operative results of the 56 cases were as follows: satisfactory 23, fair 30 and moderate 3 respectively. 3 cases of mild high frequency hearing loss and 2 cases of eardrum perforation were found during follow-up. Factors correlated with curative effect, indication and precautions of operation were discussed.