Carotid endarterectomy under local anesthesia: single institutional experience

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Cerebrovascular disease poses significant health risks.
• Carotid endarterectomy is a crucial intervention for stroke prevention.
• Local anesthesia offers potential benefits in surgical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the experience and outcomes of carotid endarterectomy performed under local anesthesia.
• To assess the safety, efficacy, and complications associated with this anesthetic technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 300 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.
• Evaluation of surgical indications, operative techniques, outcomes, and complications.
• Assessment of perioperative course, neurological status, and length of hospital stay.

Main Results:

• The study included 300 patients (58.20+/-2.76 years), 51% symptomatic.
• Low perioperative complications: 6.6% shunt usage with full recovery, 9 postoperative neurological complications (1 death).
• Mean operative time was 52.02+/-12.86 min, mean hospital stay 2.11+/-1.34 days.

Conclusions:

• Carotid endarterectomy under local anesthesia is associated with low morbidity and mortality.
• This technique allows for meticulous endarterectomy and real-time neurological assessment.
• Benefits include decreased shunt usage, operative time, and hospital stay.