Cranial nerve injuries after carotid artery endarterectomy.

We present a seven-year experience with cranial nerve injuries due to carotid artery endarterectomy. A total of 433 carotid endarterectomies were done on 355 patients by senior surgical residents, with a staff surgeon assisting. Thirteen cranial nerve injuries were identified, five of which were permanent. Knowledge of the anatomic features of the cranial nerves and their branches in the operative field, as well as technical maneuvers during surgery, can reduce such injuries to a minimum.