(November 28, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Surgery to remove blockages from the carotid artery can be performed under local or general anesthetic with similar outcomes, according to a study published in The Lancet.

Here is some information about carotid endarterectomy:

•    It is a procedure in which blockages are removed from the carotid artery, which runs along the neck and feeds the brain.

•    During the surgery, the carotid artery is clamped off, and the brain receives blood from other blood vessels or via a device known as a shunt.

•    The procedure is believed to be safer if performed while patients are awake.

For the international GALA trial, researchers from Leeds General Infirmary randomly assigned over 3,500 patients with carotid artery blockage to undergo carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia, where they are put to sleep, or local anesthesia, where they remain awake.

In both groups of patients, just under 5% experienced a stroke or heart attack or died during surgery, or in the month after. The two groups were also similar with respect to quality of life and amount of time spent in hospital after surgery.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Michael Gough, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today’s research suggests that patients and doctors should select local or general anesthetic for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy based on patients’ preferences or other medical concerns.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.