Long-term follow-up of reoperative carotid surgery

Background: We examined our long-term results of carotid reoperation to identify risk factors for morbidity and secondary recurrence. Methods: Medical record review revealed 27 patients had reoperative surgery for recurrent stenosis. Demographics, operative details, pathology, clinical outcome, and follow-up imaging results were reviewed. Results: No neurologic deficits and no mortalities were noted perioperatively. Long-term follow-up (average 54 months) revealed an 85% 5-year and 29% 10-year estimated survival. The 5- and 10-year estimated neurologic event rates were 15% and 35%, respectively. These included 3 ipsilateral strokes and 1 ipsilateral TIA; only the TIA involved secondary restenosis. Follow-up imaging revealed a 21% incidence of secondary restenosis, occurring more frequently in patients with hyperlipidemia (P <0.05) and previous contralateral endarterectomy (P <0.05). Conclusions: (1) Reoperation provides long-term protection from stroke due to recurrent stenosis. (2) Secondary restenosis rates appear higher than those for primary surgery. (3) Hyperlipidemia and contralateral endarterectomy are risk factors for secondary restenosis.