Application of covered stent implantation combined with radical tumor resection in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma involving the carotid artery: a comparative study with historical literature.

Background: Studies have shown that carotid artery reconstruction results in the best overall survival (OS) in Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma involving the Carotid Artery (AHNSCC-CA).

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of covered stent implantation combined with radical tumor resection and to compare and analyze the historical literature on conventional carotid artery resection and reconstruction.

Materials and methods: A total of 68 patients with AHNSCC-CA were included in this study. This study compared the survival, local recurrence, surgical complications, and neurologic complications between the two groups.

Results: The OS rate at 12 months in the experimental group was 58.5% (median survival time: 15 months, 95% CI: 7.61-22.40). The OS rate at 12 months in the control group was 34.3% (median survival time: 8 months, 95% CI: 3.94-12.06, p = .371). In addition, the differences in the rates of local recurrence, surgical complications and neurological complications between the two groups were statistically insignificant (p = .677, p = .197 and p = .617).

Conclusions and significance: Compared with conventional carotid artery resection and reconstruction, covered stent implantation combined with radical tumor resection yields similar survival outcomes, but with significantly lower surgical risk and difficulty, and faster postoperative recovery.