Cranial nerve injuries post carotid endarterectomy: A 15-year prospective study with routine otolaryngologist and neurological evaluation.

Objective: The aim of this prospective monocentric cohort study was to analyze the risk of otolaryngologist-assessed cranial nerve injuries (CNIs) following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in our academic center during a 15-year period, and to identify possible risk factors for CNI development.

Methods: From January 2007 to December 2022, 3749 consecutive CEAs were performed and their data prospectively recorded in a dedicated database. CNIs were assessed and defined according to a standardized protocol.