Carotid body tumors: A 10-year observation study of clinical presentation and surgical outcomes

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between Shamblin classification, operative parameters, and postoperative neurological outcomes in patients undergoing carotid body tumor (CBT) surgery, and to assess the potential benefit of preoperative embolization. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 52 patients (41 males, 11 females; mean age 47.2±14.8 years) who underwent CBT resection between January 2008 and June 2023 at a tertiary care center. Demographic, clinical, and perioperative variables were reviewed. Tumors were classified according to the modified Shamblin system. Postoperative neurological complications, operation time, blood loss, and hospital stay were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Nineteen patients (36.5%) had Shamblin class I, 25 (48.1%) class II, and 8 (15.3%) class III tumors. Preoperative embolization was performed in one patient. Neurological complications occurred in 11 patients (21.2%), including hypoglossal and vagus nerve injuries. A significant correlation was observed between higher Shamblin class and increased operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative neurological deficits (p<0.01). Hospital stay was also significantly longer in patients with neurological complications. Conclusion: Advanced Shamblin classification is associated with greater surgical complexity and higher neurological morbidity. While preoperative embolization may reduce bleeding, its neuroprotective effect remains uncertain. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of CBT management, with careful dissection crucial to minimizing complications.