Abstract
Sensory disturbances are common in the area innervated by the great auricular nerve (GAN) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, we do not know if protecting the GAN against drying and heat injury intraoperatively improves sensory outcomes. We attempted to protect the GAN from heat damage using a polyurethane dressing film moistened with saline. The sensory outcomes of the GAN after CEA were analyzed in ten patients who received the film [film (＋) group], and ten patients who did not receive the film [film (−) group] at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. At 1 month, 7 and 9 cases exhibited symptoms in the film (＋) and film (−) groups, respectively. At 3 months, 6 and 9 cases exhibited symptoms in the film (＋) and film (−) groups, respectively. At 6 months, 4 and 7 cases exhibited symptoms in the film (＋) and film (−) groups, respectively. Finally, at 12 months there was one case in the film (−) group that continued to exhibit symptoms. The polyurethane film appeared to decreased the duration of postoperative sensory deficits; however, there were no significant between-group differences for the incidence rate or sensory outcomes. Although one patient in the film (−) group continued to exhibit a sensory disturbance after 12 months, it did not interfere with the patient’s daily activities. These findings suggest that use of protective film during CEA exerts a protective effect on the GAN and may hasten recovery of postoperative sensory deficits.
