The Impact of Embolization on Surgical Conditions and Treatment Outcomes in Carotid Body Tumors: A Multicenter Observational Study

Introduction: Carotid body tumors are rare neoplasms originating from paraganglionic cells, located near the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. These lesions are usually benign and asymptomatic, but when carotid body tumors increase in size they may begin to cause symptoms. Carotid body paragangliomas are treated surgically, with preoperative embolization performed in some cases. There is ongoing debate as to whether preoperative embolization provides benefits for patients. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of preoperative carotid body paraganglioma embolization on surgical safety, operative time, and overall treatment outcome. Materials and methods: A cohort of 36 patients (26 women, 10 men) with a mean age of 51 years, treated at three clinical centers over the past 15 years, was included. Operative times, lengths of hospital stay, postoperative complications, perioperative blood loss, and treatment outcomes were compared. Additionally, demographic and clinical data were collected from medical history and physical examination. Conclusions: Preoperative embolization offers benefits compared with surgery alone, including fewer complications and a shorter mean operative time. The mean length of hospital stay was comparable between the two groups. No reduction in blood loss was observed among patients who underwent embolization prior to surgery.