The patients' perspective of carotid endarterectomy.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

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.

• Authors: Mahiben Maruthappu, Joseph Shalhoub, Ankur Thapar, Gayani Jayasooriya, Ian J Franklin, Alun H Davies
• Journal: Vascular and endovascular surgery (Vasc Endovascular Surg) Vol. 44 Issue 7 Pg. 529-34 (Oct 2010) ISSN: 1938-9116 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20675333 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Analgesia
• Anesthesia, Local
• Carotid Stenosis (complications, surgery)
• Comprehension
• Endarterectomy, Carotid (adverse effects, psychology)
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Humans
• Informed Consent
• Intraoperative Care
• London
• Pain Measurement
• Pain, Postoperative (etiology)
• Patient Education as Topic
• Patient Satisfaction
• Patients (psychology)
• Perception
• Quality of Health Care
• Stroke (etiology, prevention & control)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome