Histopathologic Study of the Carotid Sheath in Patients With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

There was no evidence of carotid sheath invasion or presence of intraluminal lymphatic tumor emboli. Evidence of extracapsular spread warrants carotid sheath excision. Our findings suggest that if no extracapsular spread is present, there is no need to perform a tedious dissection of the carotid sheath. Preserving the carotid sheath adds protection to the neurovascular bundle, cuts operating time, and avoids possible injury to the major vessels and vagus nerve, as well as stimulation of the carotid body.