Faculty Collaboration Database

Carotid Body Tumor Resection: Just as Safe without Preoperative Embolization. Ann Vasc Surg 2020 Apr;64:163-168

Date

10/22/2019

Pubmed ID

31634604

DOI

10.1016/j.avsg.2019.09.025

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85075450075 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   18 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare entities for which surgical resection remains the gold standard. Given their hypervascularity, preoperative embolization is often used; however, controversy exists over whether a benefit is associated. Proponents of embolization argue it minimizes blood loss and complications. Critics argue cost and stroke outweigh benefits. This study aimed to investigate the impact of embolization on outcomes after CBT resection.

METHODS: Patients undergoing CBT resection were identified using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database for 5 states during the years 2006-2013. Patients were divided into 2 groups: carotid body tumor resection alone (CBTR) and carotid body embolization prior to tumor resection (CBETR). Descriptive statistics were calculated using arithmetic means with standard deviations for continuous and proportions for categorical variables. Patients were propensity score matched on the basis of sex, age, race, insurance, and comorbidity before analysis. Risk-adjusted odds of mortality, stroke, nerve injury, blood loss, and length of stay (LOS) were calculated using mixed-effects regression models with fixed effects for age, race, sex, and comorbidities.

RESULTS: A total of 547 patients were identified. Of these, 472 underwent CBTR and 75 underwent CBETR. Mean age was 54.7 ± 16 years. Mean number of days between embolization and resection was 0.65 ± 0.72, (range 0-3) days. When compared to CBTR, there were no significant differences in mortality for CBETR (1.35 vs. 0% P = 0.316), cranial nerve injury (2.7 vs. 0% P = 0.48), and blood loss (2.7 vs. 6.8% P = 0.245). After risk adjustment, CBETR increased the odds of prolonged LOS (OR: 5.3; CI 2.1-13.3).

CONCLUSIONS: CBT resection is a relatively rare procedure. The utility of preoperative tumor embolization has been questioned. This study demonstrates no benefit of preoperative tumor embolization.

Author List

Cobb AN, Barkat A, Daungjaiboon W, Halandras P, Crisostomo P, Kuo PC, Aulivola B

Author

Adrienne Cobb MD Assistant Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Carotid Body Tumor
Databases, Factual
Embolization, Therapeutic
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Safety
Preoperative Care
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
United States
Vascular Surgical Procedures