Long-term restenosis rate of eversion endarterectomy on the internal carotid artery.

Objectives: The eversion endarterectomy of the internal carotid artery was introduced in Hungary in 1991. The aim of this study was to define the long-term restenosis rate of this procedure.
Patients and Methods: Between 1991 and 1993, 171 operations, on 151 patients, were performed by single surgeon: with long-term follow up of 109 patients, which included annual physical and ultrasound examinations. Restenosis rate and plaque morphology were defined. Survival and patency rate were analysed by life-tables.
Results: The combined perioperative stroke morbidity and mortality rate was 0.8%. The 5-year patient survival rate was 85%, the recurrent stenosis free rate was 88% at 5 years. Only 9% of the patients had carotid restenosis of more than 70% during this period. Ultrasound plaque morphology showed calcification in one case. Two patients had re-operations, with plaque histology showed myointimal hyperplasia in each case.
Conclusions: Our results for restenosis are compare favourably with the 2-34% restenosis rate reported in the literature. Ultrasound and histological findings suggest that atherosclerosis does not play a significant role in the development of restenosis after the eversion carotid endarterectomy.