Challenges of Surgical Resection of Carotid Body Tumors - Multiple Feeding Arteries and Preoperative Embolization

Abstract

Background: Carotid body tumor is a hypervascular tumor with multiple feeding arteries and unique orientation at the carotid bifurcation. Although resection is a radical therapy for this tumor, complete resection is challenging. Materials and Methods: Articles reporting carotid body tumor treatment and surgical resection were reviewed including case–control series and review articles. Results: Selected reports were reviewed and discussed focusing on choice of treatment, surgical difficulties and preoperative embolization of feeding arteries. Conclusion: Multiple feeding arteries and adhesion of the tumor to the carotid arterial wall are causes of difficulties in carotid body tumor resection. The effectiveness of preoperative embolization remains controversial due to the varied situations in performing surgical resection among the institutions. However, perfect embolization and resection immediately after embolization reduce blood loss and operative time of surgery for carotid body tumor.