Carotid surgery in northern Tasmania: a retrospective review

A retrospective survey of 138 carotid endarterectomies performed in Northern Tasmania over a 6 year period was conducted to identify risk factors for postoperative neurological complications. A total of 80% of patients were operated on for transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) referable to stenosis of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA). A total of 77% of patients who were operated on had angiographic evidence of severe (over 80%) stenosis of the affected ICA. A combined postoperative permanent neurological deficit and mortality rate of 5.8% was achieved. Severe stenosis of the contralateral internal carotid artery and pre-operative symptomatic instability were associated with the development of postoperative neurological complications.