Carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis

Objective To review the experience and early results of carotid endarterectomy(CEA) in treatment of symptomatic carotid stenosis.Methods Between May 2004 and December 2009,35 consecutive patients underwent carotid endarterectomy,and one of them underwent simultaneous contralateral vertebral endarterectomy.Carotid stenosis was confirmed in all the cases by DSA. (general anesthesia was used for 13 cases of carotid endarterectomy while surgery was performed in 22 cases under regional anesthesia. The time of carotid occlusion ranged from 35 to 55 minutes[average(45±10.23) min].Results There was no mortality or stroke dunng the 30 days after operation.The postoperative complications were observed in 4 patients,including 1 involving the hypoglossal nerve,and 1 involving the recurrent laryngeal nerve,and 2 involving the mandibular branches of the facial nerve.These injuries,however, were transient and mild.Conclusions Carotid endarterectomy is a safe and effective approach to symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.