Cranial Nerve Injury During Carotid Endarterectomy

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Injury to the greater auricular, hypoglossal and superior laryngeal nerves during carotid endarterectomy [in man] was preventable. A knowledge of regional anatomy and the mechanisms of such injury allowed prevention of this complication. Unilateral individual nerve injury was generally well tolerated, but bilateral or combined nerve injuries posed a serious threat to life. Minor modifications in technique aided greatly in avoiding nerve injury.