CPT® Code 64742

Transection or avulsion of the facial nerve is a surgical procedure that involves severing and/or removing a portion of the facial nerve, which is also known as cranial nerve VII (CN VII). This procedure is typically performed to address chronic pain conditions. The facial nerve is a mixed nerve, meaning it contains both sensory and motor fibers. The motor fibers are crucial for controlling facial expressions, while the sensory fibers provide sensation to the face. The facial nerve has several components, including intracranial, intratemporal, and extratemporal sections. The extratemporal portion of the nerve begins at the stylomastoid foramen and branches into several key areas: the temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical branches. During the procedure, a differential or complete transection of the facial nerve may be executed. In a complete transection, the entire nerve is divided, while in a differential transection, only specific motor or sensory fibers are targeted for severing. The surgical approach involves exposing and isolating the branch of the facial nerve intended for transection or avulsion, followed by techniques such as grasping, twisting, or ligating the nerve to achieve the desired outcome.