Carotid endarterectomy is a method of prophylaxis. A total of 367 carotid e
ndarterectomies in 335 patients were performed during the period of 1989-19
97: 222 (66.3%) were symptomatic and 113 (33.7%) asymptomatic patients. In
all, 262 (78.2%) had unilateral, 41 (12.2%) contralateral occlusion and 32
(9.6%) bilateral artery disease, All were operated on under general anesthe
sia without using shunt or patch. Of the patients with bilateral occlusive
disease, 17 underwent simultaneous and 15 staged endarterectomy; The mortal
ity rate of the first 30 postoperative days was 1.19% and the mortality/str
oke rate 2.38%. Transient neurogenic dysfunction occurred in 3.68%, myocard
ial ischemia in 0.89%, and postoperative hypertension in 16.7%.
Endarterectomy of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with unilateral loc
alisation, contralateral occlusion or bilateral occlusive disease remains a
highly acceptable prophylactic method. The future will show whether other
endovascular procedures affect the broad application of carotid endarterect
omy.