Abstract: Objective    To explore the carotid body tumor (CBT) diagnosis, surgical treatment, and prevention of postoperative complications．Methods    The clinical data of 15 CBT patients were reviewed. Results    According to Shamblin classification, there are 2 cases of type Ⅰ, 8 cases of type Ⅱ, and 5 cases of typeⅢ. Preoperative imaging evaluation included ultrasound, CT, MRA, and DSA, 64-row CT scan combined with CTA angiography. Among the patients, 14 cases underwent operation. The surgeries included total tumor removal with or without external carotid artery resection，and tumor removal with carotid artery resection and reconstruction. Postoperative pathological examinations were all benign. All patients were followed up for 3-112 months. There were 2 cases of unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, 1 case of unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy, and 1 case of unilateral cervical sympathetic nerve injury. No cerebral vascular accident and death happened. No local recurrence. Conclusion    The 64-row CTA is the prefered method in the diagnosis, evaluation of carotid body tumor before operation. Correct diagnosis, thorough preoperative evaluation and reasonable operation can reduce the risks of postoperative complications.

Key words: X-ray computed tomography, Carotid body tumor； Otorhinolaryngology surgery