The patients' perspective of carotid endarterectomy.
BACKGROUND
No studies as yet have directly evaluated the patients' perspective of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Here, we determine patient satisfaction, understanding, and perception of CEA.


METHODS
Consecutive patients were identified from a prospectively maintained carotid database. A validated 10-point telephone questionnaire was conducted. Questions related to preoperative symptoms, experience of procedure, future interventions, and overall patient satisfaction.


RESULTS
Of the 192 patients included, 136 completed the questionnaire (71% response rate). Ninety-two percent were satisfied with the explanation received, however, only 48% understood that CEA aimed to prevent future stroke. Eighty-five percent of patients received local anesthesia (LA) CEA, with 16% reporting severe or unbearable pain. Most patients (83%) would repeat CEA if necessary and 67% stated a future preference for LA CEA. The majority of patients (96%) were satisfied with their treatment overall.


CONCLUSIONS
Most patients were satisfied with CEA. Greater emphasis could be placed on improving preoperative information-giving and intraoperative analgesia.
Maruthappu
Mahiben
M
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Shalhoub
Joseph
J
Thapar
Ankur
A
Jayasooriya
Gayani
G
Franklin
Ian J
IJ
Davies
Alun H
AH
D000698:Analgesia; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D032882:Comprehension; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008131:London; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome