Cranial and neck nerve injuries following carotid endarterectomy intervention. Review of the literature.

The aim of the study was to establish the operative techniques and findings that can influence the reported incidence of cranial and cervical nerve injuries. Eight main studies comprising 1,616 carotid endarterectomies and published over the period from 1990 to October 2000 were reviewed. There were no statistically significant differences between neck incision (vertical or transverse) and number of injuries. In one study, multiple deficits were observed most frequently in patients treated by the eversion technique (P = 0.2). Additional prospective trials are needed in large numbers of patients to assess the incidence of cranial and cervical nerve injuries. Most injuries are transient and involve the vagus and hypoglossal nerves. A number of factors related to the operation, such as general anaesthesia, eversion technique and the surgeon's experience, may influence the incidence of such injuries. Repeat endarterectomy is associated with a high incidence of cranial and/or cervical nerve injuries. This is extremely important for establishing the real advantage of endovascular angioplasty or stenting of the carotid artery.