[Commission of inquiry scrutinized complications of carotid surgery. Half of the complications could be explicable by errors or dubious indications].
As carotid endarterectomy is a prophylactic procedure, it would seem particularly important to analyze complications with an aim to avoiding them. All carotid endarterectomies in Sweden are registered, and all serious complications (death and permanent neurological deficit) are analyzed in detail, classified and discussed within the profession. During the period 1994-1996 the frequency was 4.3 percent (technical causes in 17 percent, contraindications in 8 percent and dubious indications in 21 percent, but correct indication and surgery in 54 percent). Thus, even when conditions are optimal there is a certain price to pay for the prevention of ischemic stroke.
Bergqvist
D
D
Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala. david.bergqvist@kirurgi.uu.se
von Arbin
M
M
Hellénius
M L
ML
Holtås
S
S
Jogestrand
T
T
Lindqvist
M
M
Norrving
B
B
Troëng
T
T
Wahlgren
N G
NG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000075202:Contraindications; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012042:Registries; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control; D013548:Sweden