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Peripheral nerve injuries during carotid endarterectomy
Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien De Chirurgie
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Peripheral nerve injuries are common after carotid endarterectomy, affecting 12% of patients. Facial and vagus nerve injuries occurred in 4% each, but careful technique can prevent most complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injuries are a known complication of carotid endarterectomy.
- These injuries, affecting both sensory and motor nerves, are often underreported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively document the incidence of nerve injury during carotid endarterectomy over a one-year period.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.
- Documentation of all nerve injuries, specifying cranial nerves involved.
Main Results:
- Nerve injury occurred in 12% of patients.
- Facial (VII) and vagus (X) nerves were the most commonly injured motor nerves, each affected in 4% of cases.
- Sensory nerves to the submandibular skin and earlobe were also frequently damaged.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral nerve injury is a significant complication of carotid endarterectomy.
- Adherence to careful surgical techniques and thorough anatomical knowledge can minimize the occurrence of these nerve injuries.