Intraoperative internal carotid artery shunt in the resection of carotid body tumors (CBT)

Abstract

Objective To summarize the experience of surgical management of carotid tumors ( CBT ) and application of shunt between common and internal carotid artery intraoperatively. Methods Thirty patients of CBT (mean age:39. 2 ±2. 3 years old,10 male and 20 female, 15 in left, 14 in right and 1 in both sides) who underwent surgical resection, were retrospectively reviewed. The average size of CBT was 4.9 ±0.3 cm. The diagnosis was established by ultrasound, CT, MRI or carotid arteriography. 16 patients underwent surgical resection of CBT, 10 patients underwent additional ligation of external carotid artery, and 4 patients underwent additional intraoperative shunt between common and internal carotid artery. Results Surgical procedures were successfully performeded in all 30 patients with CBT. Intraoperative shunts were successfully used between common and internal carotid artery in 4 patients. The postoperative complications included hoarseness (15) , bucking (11), crooked tongue ( 17) , dyspnea (1), dysphagia(3). There was no hemiplegia and death. Conclusion Surgical resection is the choice of treatment of carotid body tumor. The application of intraoperative shunt between common and internal carotid artery in complicated Shamblin Ⅲ stage is safe and effective. Key words: Carotid body tumor; Vascular surgical procedures; Shunt