Abstract
Carotid body tumors are of special interest to surgeons bacause of the technical challenges presented by extreme vascularity and difficulties encountered in removal. This papar discribes our experience with a case of bilateral carotid body tumors using recent concepts consisted of preoperative angiography with balloon occulution test and selective embolization, preparation of shunt, hypothermic general anesthesia and dissection in the capsular-adventitial plane with use of bipolar coagulation technique and microscope magnification. The patient was a 39-year-old man with a 4-year history of asymptomatic neck masses. CT and DSA demonstrated a 4×3cm vascular mass on the right and a 4×2cm on the left at the carotid biufrcation. After angiography and selective embolization, excision of each tumor was performed separately by recent surgical approach. The common and internal carotid artery on the both sides were preserved. Operating blood loss was 550ml on the right side and 170ml on the left. Temporary dysfunction of right hypoglossal nerve was seen as a postoperative complication. Selective embolization and our device in surgical techniques lessened the risk of surgical excition and decreased the blood loss.
