Our Experience in Carotid Endarterectomy. A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) operations have been more frequent in our practice in recent years, primarily for asymptomatic patients. In this article, we present our experience in this field. Ojectives. Primary endpoints were death and stroke within 30 days of the procedure for asymptomatic patients. Secondary endpoints were acute myocardial infarction within 30 days of the process and peripheral nerve injury in all patients. Patients and Method: This is a retrospective review of our recent experience. Data of  219 consecutive CEA, 177 in asymptomatic patients, operated on from January 2004- February 2009 by our equip are collected; all the patients were diagnosed with Duplex scanner and confirmed with multi-slice CT scanner angiography. Endarterectomy was performed either with loco-regional or general anesthesia with selective use of a shunt. Combined anti-aggregation with Clopidogrel and Aspirin was the rule at discharge. Patients were controlled for new neurological and cardiac events 30 days after the operation. Results: One asymptomatic patient had a major stroke and died. In this group, the stroke and mortality rate is 1,69%. No peri-operative new acute myocardial infarction happened in any patient. Peripheral nerve lesions occurred in 2,7 %of all procedures. Conclusions: CEA is a safe treatment for asymptomatic internal carotid stenoses in the hands of an experienced vascular surgeon. Our results for asymptomatic carotid stenoses are according to international guidelines' recommendations.