Trainee surgeons and patient outcomes in carotid endarterectomy: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Carotid endarterectomies are an essential part of the surgical management of embolic stroke prevention. Perioperative complication rates are pivotal in the justification of the procedure being performed. Through analysis of the Australasian Vascular Audit database, we found no significant difference in major patient morbidity or mortality in cases performed by an experienced vascular surgeon, and those cases with supervised trainees performing major components of the procedure.