New predictors of complications in carotid body tumor resection

This large study of CBTs demonstrates the value of preoperatively determining tumor dimensions and how far the tumor is located from the base of the skull. DTBOS and tumor volume, when used in combination with the Shamblin grade, better predict bleeding and cranial nerve injury risk. Furthermore, surgical resection before expansion toward the base of the skull reduces complications as every 1-cm decrease in the distance to the skull base results in 1.8 times increase in >250 mL of blood loss and 1.5 times increased risk of cranial nerve injury.