Surgical treatment of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis:an experience of 82 cases

Objective To retrospectively review the experience and early clinical result of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for the treatment of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Method CEA was performed on 82 consecutive patients (66 males, 16 females), age ranged from 48 to 84 years (mean 68.6 years). Diagnosis was established by carotid artery Doppler ultrasonography and DSA in all patients. General anesthesia was used in 39 cases, regional anesthesia was used in 43 cases. Temporary intraluminal shunts were used in 56 patients. Results There was no surgical mortality. Postoperatively 76 patients were followed up from 4 months to 18 months. Symptoms significantly improved in 57 cases, mild improvement was achieved in 14 cases, severe postoperative complication occurred in 3 patients, including cerebral ischemia in 2 cases, intracarotid thrombosis in one. Conclusion CEA is an effective therapy for the treatment of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.