Surgical management of carotid body tumours: a 24-year surgical experience

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumours (CBT) are rare tumours, best treated by complete surgical resection. However, there is no uniform agreement on the method of resection. The aim of this study was to review our 24 years' experience of meticulous subadventitial excision of CBT. METHODS: A retrospective study, from March 1980 to September 2004 of patients with CBT was undertaken, detailing presentation, diagnosis and treatment and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (six men and 19 women) with an age range of 23-72 years had been operated on, and all were treated by surgical excision. All patients had neck mass. No patient had a positive family history. Angiography was the main method of diagnosis. All of the patients had unilateral tumours. There was no postoperative permanent neurological deficit. Temporary neurological problems developed in only four patients. External carotid artery was ligated in three patients to facilitate excision of the tumour. Surgical care limited blood loss to an average of 480 mL. CONCLUSIONS: Subadventitial excision, carried out meticulously, allowed complete resection to be achieved in all of the patients with minimal morbidity and no surgical mortalities. This method is therefore recommended. Facilities for shunting and arterial repair should always be available.