Duplex scanning on admission prevents unnecessary carotid endarterectomies

AIM: This retrospective single Institution study, aims to evaluate the performance of duplex scanning on admission of patients with carotid artery disease to avoid unnecessary carotid endarterectomies. METHODS: From 1 January 1997 until 31 Decem-ber 2004, 1 504 patients were admitted to our Institution to undergo carotid endarterectomy. A duplex scan on admission was performed in all of them. RESULTS: A total of 1 369 from these patients (91%) underwent surgery, while 135 (9%) were dismissed because there was no indication for surgical treatment. They were put in conservative treatment and periodic duplex control appointments. CONCLUSIONS: In 9% of the patients, unnecessary carotid endarterectomy was avoided.