Peripheral nerve injuries during carotid endarterectomy

Peripheral nerve injuries associated with carotid endarterectomy are fairly common but not emphasized in reported results of carotid endarterectomy. The sensory nerves to the submandibular skin and ear lobe are often damaged. Motor nerves VII, IX, X, XI and XII may be injured at surgery. The commonest motor injuries involve the facial, vagus and hypoglossal nerves. Carotid endarterectomy was studied prospectively over 1 year to document the incidence of nerve injury. Nerve injury occurred in 12% of patients, with facial and vagus nerves being involved in 4% each. Careful surgical technique based on appropriate anatomical knowledge can prevent most of these complications.