Postoperative morbidity of closely staged bilateral carotid endarterectomies: an intersurgical interval of 4 days or less.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is increased morbidity and mortality with bilateral carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) done with an intersurgical period of less than 4 days compared to historical groups of unilateral CEAs, or those with a greater intersurgical delay. From January 1991 to July 1998, 1390 carotid endarterectomies were performed, of which 154 (11.1%) were closely staged bilateral CEAs. Seventy-seven patients (51 male, 26 female; mean age 72.5 years) underwent bilateral CEAs within 4 days or less. Immediate and 30-day postoperative morbidity, including neurologic deficits, cranial nerve deficits, and mortality, were documented. Although controversial, there is no increased morbidity or mortality with bilateral CEAs done with an intersurgical delay of less than 4 days, when compared to the unilateral CEA historical groups.