Microsurgery in carotid body paraganglioma.

[OBJECTIVES] In carotid paraganglioma surgery, magnification is crucial to properly evaluate the anatomical relationships between mass, carotid wall, cranial nerves, tumour vascular supply and fascial envelope. The aims of this study are to describe the microsurgical technique, along with the underlying microsurgical anatomy, and to assess outcomes in terms of disease control, complications and functional results.

[METHODS] Twenty-six patients, accounting for 29 carotid paragangliomas, treated with microsurgery by the same senior surgeon over a 35-year period, were included.

[RESULTS] No carotid injury requiring repair, nor peri- or post-operative stroke occurred in this series. No surgical injury of the main trunk of VII to XII cranial nerves occurred. Complete excision was obtained in all cases and no recurrence was observed during follow-up.

[CONCLUSIONS] The small study size and its retrospective nature suggests caution; however, our results show that microsurgery can allow a safe and precise dissection of the carotids and nerves.