Risk factors of neurologic complications after surgical resection of carotid body tumor

Objective To investigate risk factors of nerve injury after carotid body tumor resection. Methods From 1991 to 2016, the clinical data of patients with neurologic complications after resection of carotid body tumor was retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors of nerve injury. Results A total of 132 patients with 142 tumors underwent surgery. 45 patients (46 sides) suffered nerve injury, including 4 strokes and 44 nerve injuries. After active rehabilitation, 18 cases were left with permanent nerve injury, and the 4 patients with strokes regained self-care ability. By multivariate regression analysis, high-lying tumors (OR=4.345, P=0.005), Shamblin Ⅲ tumor (OR=4.382, P=0.047) increase the risks of postoperative nerve injury. Resection of high-lying tumors carried a higher risk of developing permanent nerve injury (OR=7.290, P=0.001). Conclusions Neurologic complication could be alleviated by rehabilitation. Intraoperative abrupt rupture of carotid artery is the leading cause of stroke. Shamblin Ⅲ and high-lying tumor are the predictors of postoperative nerve injury. Key words: Carotid body tumor; Postoperative complications; Nerve injury; Risk factors