Technique modification proposal for carotid body tumors resection: trans-bulb dissection technique (TBD)

Abstract

In the literature there are several described techniques for the resection of carotid body tumors, such as the standard caudocranial dissection, the modified standard (craniocaudal dissection) and recently introduced retrocarotid dissection. All of these with favorable technical and clinical outcomes. We propose a novel modification called the trans-bulb dissection technique; the result of our progressive experience treating such cases, with the aim to reduce blood loss, operative time and hospital stay. This approach focuses on avoiding and minimizing the use of suture material, and only requiring bipolar energy, Pott’s scissors, without sutures. With promising postoperative outcomes as good as the other ones: short operative time, one-day post-of hospital stay and approximately 100 milliliters of blood loss in Shamblin II tumors. Additionally, with promising results even in glomus vagal Netterville-Glasscock II, with vagus nerve preservation.

Keywords

• Carotid body tumors. Glomus vagal. Paragangliomas. Trans-bulb dissection.