Postoperative blood pressure changes associated with cervical block versus general anesthesia following carotid endarterectomy.

The purpose of this report was to determine if cervical block anesthesia (CBA) was associated with fewer hypertensive and hypotensive episodes and decreased need for ICU monitoring following carotid endarterectomy, compared with general anesthesia (GA). A retrospective review of carotid endarterectomies performed using GA (n = 118) versus CBA (n = 116) was carried out and perioperative blood pressure changes and morbidity and mortality rates were analyzed. With increasing emphasis in today's health care market concerning cost containment without sacrificing safety, our results suggest that CBA should be considered preferable to GA for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Fewer significant postoperative hemodynamic changes occurred and costly intensive care monitoring may be avoided.