[Transitory ischemic attacks. Results of surgical therapy]

Classical transient-ischemic attacks in patients with proven occlusive disease of the carotid arteries are an absolute indication to operate. Operative reconstruction leads to a significant reduction in the incidence of cerebral infarction when compared to conservative treatment with inhibitors of thrombocyte aggregation. The survival rate of carotid endarterectomy in this stage was 96% after 5 years and 60% after 7 years. The actual stroke rate during this observation period was 5.1%. Contralateral stenosis should be treated operatively in order to achieve further reduction in the rate of cerebral infarction.