Carotid Complications in Skull Base Surgery

Carotid artery rupture is a worrisome complication that sometimes occurs during microsurgical or endoscopic skull base procedures. Many identifiable aspects are related to prevention, intraoperative management, and immediate postoperative endovascular treatment. This article deals with microsurgical and endoscopic cases in which the carotid artery or its branches have been damaged in the context of a resection of skull base lesions. Factors related to the anatomy of the skull base and the arteries and their variations are considered, along with intraoperative measures to control the bleeding. Finally, depending on the case, recommendations for immediate postoperative endovascular management are made.