Outcomes of combined oncologic resection and carotid endarterectomy in patients with head and neck cancer

Background Patients with head and neck cancer have similar risk factors to patients with carotid disease. Patients with head and neck cancer should be screened with vascular consultations obtained as indicated. Identification of significant carotid artery disease before surgical treatment of head and neck cancer is important in order to prevent perioperative and future strokes. Methods Eleven patients underwent carotid duplex ultrasound followed by vascular consultation for significant asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis. Carotid endarterectomy was performed during an oncologic resection of head and neck cancer between the years of 1996 and 2011. Results There were no local or regional recurrences. There were no perioperative deaths or strokes. Two-year and 5-year survival were 70% and 29%, respectively, with a median survival of 51 months. Conclusion Collaboration of head and neck surgeons with vascular surgeons provides the patient with an oncologic resection and revascularization with a low perioperative risk of stroke. This improves the patient's quality of life by lessening the possibility of a stroke postoperatively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013