Management of Carotid Artery Injury in Endonasal Surgery

Abstract Introduction Carotid artery injury (CAI) is the most feared and potentially catastrophic intraoperative complication an endoscopic skull base surgeon may face. With the advancement of transnasal endoscopic surgery and the willingness to tackle more diverse pathology, evidence-b...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vikram Padhye, Rowan Valentine, Peter-John Wormald
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda. 2014-10-01
Series:International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0034-1395266
Description
Summary:Abstract Introduction Carotid artery injury (CAI) is the most feared and potentially catastrophic intraoperative complication an endoscopic skull base surgeon may face. With the advancement of transnasal endoscopic surgery and the willingness to tackle more diverse pathology, evidence-based management of this life-threatening complication is paramount for patient safety and surgeon confidence. Objectives We review the current English literature surrounding the management of CAI during endoscopic transnasal surgery. Data Synthesis The searched databases included PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane database, LILACS, and BIREME. Keywords included “sinus surgery,” “carotid injury,” “endoscopic skull base surgery,” “hemostasis,” “transsphenoidal” and “pseudoaneurysm.” Conclusions Review of the literature found the incidence of CAI in endonasal skull base surgery to be as high as 9% in some surgeries. Furthermore, current treatment recommendations can result in damage to critical neurovascular structures. Management decisions must be made in the preoperative, operative, and postoperative setting to ensure adequate treatment of CAI and the prevention of its complications such as pseudoaneurysm. Emphasis should be placed on surgical competency, teamwork, and technical expertise through education and training.
ISSN:1809-9777
1809-4864