Surgical resection of carotid body tumors with versus without preoperative embolization: Retrospective case‐control study

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of surgical resection of carotid body tumors with and without preoperative embolization. Methods There were 31 patients who underwent surgical resection combined with preoperative embolization (SRE group), and 27 patients who underwent conventional surgical resection (SR group); all clinical data were included and reviewed. Results There was no difference in the approach for carotid reconstruction in either group ( P > .05). The mean surgical time (110.65 ± 35.77 minutes vs 188.33 ± 66.44 minutes) and intraoperative blood loss (140.32 ± 57.12 mL vs 396.43 ± 272.82 mL) were significantly less in the SRE group ( P < .05). The volume of blood transfusions required (475 ± 301.18 mL vs 0 mL) and incidence rate of total complications (33.3% vs 9.7%) were higher in the SR group ( P < .05). However, the length of hospital stay was similar in both groups ( P > .05). Conclusion Our results demonstrate that preoperative embolization of a carotid body tumor can reduce blood loss and complications and improve tumor excision.