[One stage operation of bilateral carotid lesions (author's transl)]

Bilateral one stage carotid endarteriectomy was performed in 11 patients presenting with bilateral symptomatics stenoses without neurological nor cardiac major complications. We only found one such experience in the literature (1). The choice of a simultaneous procedure is based solely on electroencephalogram analysis and on the residual pressure after the test of carotid occlusion; the side where occlusion is tolerated and/or where the residual pressure is highest, is operated first. This simultaneous bilateral procedure carries the theoretical risk of ischemia. It has the advantage of decreasing the cardiac complications and the risk of neurological deficit and at the same token avoids intercurrent controlateral thrombosis and recurrent symptoms between two non-simultaneous procedures. In cases of symptomatic lesions, the indication of surgery is evident; for asymptomatic lesions we only consider a simultaneous procedure in special cases where there exists a threat of neurological complications.