Had Mild Transient Stroke. Diagnosed With Carotid Artery. Advised For Carotid Endarterectomy. Safe?

Posted on Mon, 27 May 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 May 2013 Answered on

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor.. My father had a mild transient stroke. He was diagnosed by block in the Carotid artery. He has been advised by the doctor to perform operation (Carotid endarterectomy). He is 57 years old and has high BP, Cholesterol and Diabetic as well. Is it advisable to undertake the operation or is there any other alternative to clear the block.

Thanks in advance..

Answered by Dr. Gopal Krishna Dash (55 minutes later)

Hello,
Thanks for the query
I understand your concern
Unfortunately there is no other way. This will prevent future stroke and there are good centers with good results. I feel that you should follow the advice of the local neurologist. I completely agree with your doctor
Please get back if you need any additional information
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Gopal Krishna Dash (22 hours later)

Hi Doctor,

Thanks for your response. Can you please let us know if there would be any complications due to the surgery. What would be the risk while operation? Are there any other precautions that should be followed before the operation ?

S XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Gopal Krishna Dash (6 hours later)

Thanks for the feed back
The risk of operations will be less than 3% in the best centres, I mean the centers that regularly do these procedures. The problems that are less likely but may happen are a new stroke; bleed in the brain and the general risk of any surgery. Please note that the risk of procedure is less than the new stroke. So you can go ahead. The BP should be controlled during the procedure.

Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar