Diagnosis and surgical treatment of carotid body tumor: a report of 81 cases

Objective To explore the experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment of carotid body tumor. Methods A retrospective analysis between November 2008 and November 2015 was proceeded, the clinical data of surgical treatment for 81 patients with carotid body tumor was collected, to analyze data by SPSS19.0, and summarize the diagnosis of carotid body tumor, choice of operation methods and curative effect and complications prevention. Results Seventy-four cases underwent surgery treatment: tumors of 52 cases were simply stripped, tumors of 13 cases were resected combined with ligation of external carotid artery. Tumors of 7 cases were resected with internal and external carotid artery ligation, 3 cases of whom underwent artificial blood vessel internal carotid artery end to end anastomosis. Postoperative death in 1 case of acute myocardial infarction, complicated with cerebral infarction in 2 cases, 6 cases of injury of cranial nerve relieved after symptomatic treatment. No hemiplegia, aphasia and other serious complications. Tumor size and the surgery time correlation analysis: the correlation coefficient was 0.226, no significant correlation. Conclusions CTA is the most commonly used method of preoperative examination. Surgical resection is an effective method in treatment of carotid body tumor. Prevention injury of carotid artery or internal carotid or common carotid artery and their reconstruction is the key to a successful operation. Sufficient preoperative assessment, select the appropriate operation method, intraoperative careful performance can ensure the cerebral perfusion, is the key to prevent and reduce the complications. Key words: Carotid body tumor; Diagnosis; Surgical procedures, operative; Cranial nerve injuries