A Discussion about the Safety of Surgical Management for Carotid Body Tumor (Analysis of 39 Cases)

Objective To explore howto improve the safety of surgical management for carotid body tumor(CBT),to analyze the effectivity of preoperative embolization and the controversy of carotid artery shunting.Methods The clinical data of 39 patients with CBT from February 2002 to December 2009 were analyzed retro-spectively.All the patients’diagnosis were confirmed by CTA and their willis circle were evaluated before opera-tions,17 cases were treated with preoperative superselective external carotid artery emboliazation before surgery.39 cases were treated by a variety of operation,including single tumors resection with 25 cases,tumor combined external carotid artery resection with 7 cases,tumor combined carotid artery bifurcation resection plus internal carotid artery reconstruction with 7 cases.Results The complications included hoarseness in 2 cases,deviation of tongue in 2 cases,coughing in 1 case,facial numbness in 1 case,neither cerebrovascular accident nor death occurred.39 patients were followed for a period from 7 months to 6 years,no tumor recurred.Conclusion As for CBT,the surgical management is preferred,comprehensive evaluation and appropriate operating is significant for improving safety of operation,preoperative superselective artery emboliazation and selective carotid artery shunting are both the important means to improve safety of operation.