Objectives: to determine whether duplex ultrasonography alone is an adequate examination prior to carotid endarterectomy.
Design: prospective, randomised, single centre study.
Material and methods: all patients with carotid bifurcation stenosis greater than 70% - based on duplex scanning - were randomised to arteriography followed by carotid surgery (Group A n=96) or carotid surgery alone (Group B n=90). Study endpoints were neurological complications or death occurring between the day of randomisation and until 30 days after surgery.
Results: major neurological complications of death in 1 (1%) vs 3 (3.3%) patients in group A and B, respectively (n.s.). Minor neurological complications (only TIA) were observed in 0 and 3 (3.3%) patients, respectively.
Conclusions: complication rates were low in both groups and within the generally accepted rate after carotid surgery in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients.
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