Our first experience applying simultaneous bilateral carotid endarterectomy
Dimakakos, P.B.; Arapoglou, B.; Papasava, M.; Papadimitriou, J.
International Angiology a Journal of the International Union of Angiology 15(1): 9-13
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-9590 PMID: 8739530 Document Number: 462938
Simultaneous bilateral carotid endarterectomy (SBCE) has been very rarely cited in the international literature. Twelve patients underwent 24 SBCE's (Group A). They were compared with 22 bilateral staged endarterectomies in 11 (Group B) and 155 cases with unilateral endarterectomies (Group C). The indications and surgical management were similar and the accompanying risk factors were comparable in the 3 groups. Shunt or patch was not used and occlusion time was 13 +/- 2'. Total occlusion time in the SBCE was 25 +/- 3'. The results are comparable in the 3 groups. In the SBCE group one case of TIA was particularly noted together with another case with transient vocal cord paresis; however no death, myocardial infarct, respiratory problems or permanent damage of the central nerves were observed in this group. Despite the small number of our patients together with that of the international literature, it seems that a better preoperative assessment of the function of the circle of Willis in association with meticulous surgical technique and proper patient selection, encourages the tactics of simultaneous bilateral carotid endarterectomy.