• J E Frawley, R G Hicks, and I J Woodforth.
• Department of Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
• Aust N Z J Surg. 2000 Jan 1;70(1):52-6.

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the role of potential clinical risk factors in the causation of peri-operative stroke associated with carotid endarterectomy. With the change in carotid endarterectomy practice from the use of a shunt to high-dose thiopental for cerebral protection (a previously undocumented method), it was essential to identify accurately the causes of all perioperative strokes.MethodsA prospective audit was undertaken of 1000 carotid endarterectomies in which the causes and pathology of all peri-operative strokes were documented. The roles of advanced age, female gender, hypertension, previous stroke, contralateral carotid stenosis >70%, and contralateral carotid occlusion as potential causes of peri-operative stroke were defined. Results were statistically analysed using odds ratio and Fisher's exact test.ResultsNone of the potential risk factors was statistically significant for peri-operative stroke. Female gender was associated with a significant risk of peri-operative stroke due to operative site thrombosis. Complications at the endarterectomy site were the commonest cause of stroke.ConclusionsProspective audit is a useful tool for identifying causes of peri-operative stroke and indicating the need for modifications to surgical clinical management which might improve outcomes for carotid endarterectomy.

26 keywords...

hide…