Surgery of carotid body tumour: 14 cases in 7 years.
OBJECTIVE
The goal was to review our experience in the management of carotid body tumours.


METHODS
A retrospective study was performed of patients in whom carotid body tumour was diagnosed between 1998 and 2005. Data were retrieved from hospital discharge files.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients were operated on. There were five patients in Shamblin class I, 4 in class II, and 5 in class III. Duplex examination was performed in all patients. Computerized tomography scans were performed in eight (57%) patients and magnetic resonance imaging scans in five patients (36%). Angiography was performed in all patients, preoperative embolization was attempted in 5 (36%). The blood loss for these patients was not less than for those without embolization. Three patients (21%) had postoperative cranial nerve deficits. All the deficits resolved. The internal carotid artery was injured in two patients and the external carotid artery was injured in three patients (36%). No stroke occured.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for carotid body tumours. Observation of these tumours is not recommended because progressive growth is associated with increased risk of neurological deficits. Early surgical management is recommended to avoid neurological deficit due to a Shamblin class III tumour. We also do not recommend embolization.
Ozay
B
B
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dr. Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Istanbul, Turkey. drbatuhanozay@yahoo.com
Kurc
E
E
Orhan
G
G
Yucel
O
O
Senay
S
S
Tasdemir
M
M
Gorur
A
A
Aka
S Aykut
SA
D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002345:Carotid Body Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler