RESUMO
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 new method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1991 and 1993, 171 operations were performed by one surgeon on 151 patients: 109 patients had enough compliance to take part in long-term follow-up, which included annual physical and ultrasound (Ultramark 9) investigations. Restenosis rate and plaque morphology was defined. Survival and patency rates were calculated by life-table method. RESULTS: The perioperative combined stroke morbidity and mortality rate was 0.8%. The 5-year patient survival rate was 85%, the recurrent stenosis free rate was 88%/5 years, and 9% of the patients had restenosis greater than 70% in this period. The plaque morphology showed calcification in 1 case. Two patients needed 3 reoperations (2.4%). Plaque histology showed myointimal hyperplasia in every 3 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing our results to the literature (2-34% restenosis rate) it seems to be acceptable and encouraging for the future. The ultrasound and histological findings suggest that arteriosclerosis does not play significant role in development of restenosis after the eversion method.