Results from craniocaudal carotid body tumor resection: should it be the standard surgical approach?

Objectives: To evaluate results after carotid body tumor (CBT) surgery using a novel dissection technique.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of all operated CBT in the last 6 years was carried out and results were compared with the current literature and our previous series, which reported another 111 cases operated on until 2005.

Results: Forty-five CBTs were removed in 41 (56% hereditary cases) patients (seven Shamblin I, 22 II, and 16 III). There were no cases of permanent cranial nerve injury or stroke. These pre- and postoperative results compare favorably with our previous series and are superior to, generally smaller, studies reported in the contemporary literature.

Conclusions: This large series of surgically-treated CBTs supports craniocaudal dissection as the surgical technique of choice as it limits blood loss and facilitates safe CBT resection.