[Morbimortality in carotid endarterectomy]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Carotid stenosis poses a significant risk of stroke.
• Surgical endarterectomy is a common treatment for severe carotid stenosis.
• Assessing outcomes in different surgical settings is vital for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the perioperative and long-term outcomes of carotid endarterectomy.
• To determine the safety and efficacy of the procedure in a specific department.
• To identify areas for improvement in surgical practice.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 97 carotid endarterectomies in 90 patients (1995-2003).
• Data collected on patient demographics, stenosis severity, surgical procedures, and follow-up.
• Analysis of perioperative complications, long-term morbidity, and mortality.

Main Results:

• Combined morbidity-mortality rate was 8.9% for patients and 8.2% for surgeries.
• Perioperative mortality occurred in 4 patients; 4 developed new neurologic deficits.
• Long-term follow-up revealed deaths from other causes and subsequent neurologic events.

Conclusions:

• Carotid endarterectomy can be performed safely in low-volume centers using simple techniques.
• Acceptable morbidity and mortality rates were achieved.
• Continuous self-assessment of complications and results is essential for enhancing surgical outcomes.