Carotid Body Tumor Resection – A Case Report

Abstract

Carotid body tumours (CBT) are considered rare. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice and poses many anaesthetic challenges especially in large tumours. In this paper we present our experience of anaesthetic management of CBT excision since very few cases have been reported so far. Preoperative planning and multiple contingency plans to ensure secure airway, cerebral protection, mange haemodynamic fluctuation are utmost important. A high degree of vigilance should be continued in the postoperative period to detect stroke or identify other cranial nerve deficits. With a team approach to management of CBT, operative complications can be minimized with a good outcome.

Keywords

• carotid body tumor
• catecholamine surge
• chemoreceptor cells
• non-chromaffin paraganglioma
• hypotensive anaesthesia