RESUMO
This study was carried out to evaluate the results of carotid endarterectomy after recovery from prior stroke due to a significant carotid artery lesion. Thirty-seven patients with prior for cerebral stroke were included [26 males: 11 females, mean age = 64.5 years]. All patients had good functional recovery with minimal residual deficits. A corresponding significant carotid stenosis [> 70%] was present in 32 patients [86%] and an unstable ulcerated plaque in 5 patients [14%]. Carotid endarterectomy was done 30 days to 6 months post-stroke. Risk factors included smoking [73%], hypertension [68%], diabetes mellitus [57%], coronary artery disease [35%] and hyperlipidemia [41%]. Mean follow up was 18 months [range 6-37 months]. There was one postoperative death as a result of intraoperative stroke and another from myocardial infarction resulting in a combined perioperative stroke/mortality of 5.4%. No other neurological events were encountered during the rest of the follow up period. Complications related to the procedure included reactionary hemorrhage [2.7%], hoarseness of voice [5.4%], and transient ramus mandibularis palsy [2.7%]. This experience supports the benefit of carotid endarterectomy in post-stroke patients with significant carotid artery lesions. It is a safe and reliable procedure in preventing recurrent stroke in this group of patients