Carotid Endarterectomy With Regional Anesthesia in Our Experience

Abstract

Aim: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a common revascularization option for carotid atherosclerosis. Regional anesthesia for CEA has become a preferred anesthesia technique in lots of centers. In this study, we present our experience with CEAs under regional anesthesia.
 Material and Methods: From 2019 to 2022, 271 patients who underwent CEA with regional anesthesia in two centers were included. Retrospectively, patient data, demographical characteristics, comorbidities, and radiological imaging features were enrolled by searching the hospital information system. The primary endpoint was to describe the outcomes.
 Results: Of the 271 participants, 202 were male and 69 were female. The male-to-female ratio is 74.5. The average age was 65.3±10,2. General anesthesia was maintained for two patients due to inadequate patient collaboration. The average operation time was 52±8.9 minutes. The mean X-clamp time was 14±2.5 minutes and the patient stayed in the intensive care unit for an average of 14±2 hours. The most common postoperative complication was bleeding (n=8). No cranial nerve damage was observed. There was no procedural death. Patients were discharged within an average of 4 days.
 Conclusion: Regional anesthesia can be safely performed for CEA. Considering patient preference and compliance, regional anesthesia is the first option for CEA operations in our routine.
 Keywords: carotid artery stenosis, carotid endarterectomy, regional anesthesia