Carotid Surgery Update

The state of carotid surgery is updated according to the results of data pooled from large, prospective, randomized studies. The value of carotid surgery is unchallenged. Even better results are obtainable when surgeons and referring physicians schedule surgery within two weeks after an ischemic event. Surgery for asymptomatic stenoses, on the other hand, is a long-term investment, which is able to prevent stroke continuously over years. It seems to be cost effective for male patients up to 75 years of age. The key issue of effective carotid surgery is quality control with regard to outcome. Carotid stenting until now has not been shown to be equivalent to carotid surgery.