Use of an intraoperative shunt for easy resection of complicated carotid body tumors

Abstract

Background: This study was carried out to explore the use of an intraoperative shunt during surgical resection of complicated carotid body tumors (CBTs).

Methods: Of the 47 patients who underwent surgical resection for CBT, an intraoperative shunt was performed in 10 patients with complicated CBTs involving the carotid artery wall between January 2005 and August 2010, and their clinical materials were respectively reviewed.

Results: No severe complications occurred intraoperatively and postoperatively in all the 10 patients with complicated CBTs involving the carotid artery wall. No recurrence and metastasis occurred during follow-up period for a mean of 35.3 months (range, 12-60 months).

Conclusions: An intraoperative shunt maintained cerebral circulation, decreased the size of tumor by excluding the vascular supply of the external carotid artery, and guided the resection of CBT. The intraoperative shunt was a safe and effective way during surgical resection of complicated CBTs.