[Carotid surgery, indications, results and perspectives]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Carotid artery disease poses a significant risk for stroke.
• Surgical intervention aims to prevent ischemic events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term outcomes of carotid artery operations.
• To compare surgical results with the natural history of carotid artery lesions.

Main Methods:

• Follow-up of 215 patients (250 operations) for a mean of 30 months.
• Utilized non-invasive examinations like ultrasonography and Doppler for diagnosis.
• Indications based on hemispheric ischemic accidents and non-invasive findings.

Main Results:

• Perioperative mortality was 2%, with 7% neurologic morbidity (1.39% permanent sequelae).
• Recurrence of stenosis occurred in 0.8%; no postoperative thrombosis.
• 81.9% of patients were asymptomatic at 30 months post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Carotid artery surgery yields favorable outcomes, with a high rate of asymptomatic patients.
• Results suggest surgical intervention is superior to the natural progression of carotid artery disease.
• The study supports the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy in preventing recurrent ischemic events.