Adventitial dissection with advanced vessel-sealing for carotid body paraganglioma: A 2-year recurrence-free case report and technical note

Introduction and importance

Carotid body paragangliomas present unique surgical challenges due to their hypervascular nature and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Subadventitial dissection combined with vessel-sealing techniques represents a technical option to achieve complete resection while minimizing complications, though long-term outcome reports remain limited.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old male presented with a 2-month history of a pulsatile left cervical mass associated with chronic neck pain. Examination revealed classic clinical signs (Kocher's and Fontaine's positive). Imaging demonstrated a 3.5 cm Shamblin I tumor at the carotid bifurcation with with <180° arterial contact (Arya I) and preserved vascular anatomy. Biochemical testing confirmed a non-secreting profile. The patient underwent en bloc resection via subadventitial dissection and vessel-sealing, achieving complete tumor removal without vascular reconstruction or nerve injury.

Clinical discussion

This case highlights several key technical considerations in carotid body tumor management. The subadventitial plane provides a dissection barrier, facilitating hemostasis and vascular preservation. Vessel-sealing devices may complement traditional techniques for vascular control. The 2-year recurrence-free outcome supports this approach for selected tumors, though longer follow-up is needed. Cranial nerve preservation highlights the importance of meticulous dissection.

Conclusion

Subadventitial dissection with vessel-sealing can achieve favorable outcomes in Shamblin I carotid body paragangliomas, enabling complete resection with neurovascular preservation. Further evaluation in larger cohorts is warranted.