[Possibilities and limits of neurosurgery in the management of cerebral ischemia].

Surgical treatment of occlusive cerebrovascular diseases is based on the theory that improved cerebral blood flow in the occluded areas can potentially limit the degree of ischaemic damage. This, it is thought, will at least partially normalise neuron metabolism. The two commonly used surgical techniques are carotid endarterectomy and extracranial-intracranial anastomosis. The importance of the criteria used in selecting patients for surgery is discussed and it is emphasised that the most satisfactory results will only be obtained if the correct surgical indication is carefully established for each patient. The results obtained in 40 carotid endarterectomies and 94 E.I.A.B. are also presented. Mortality and morbidity rates for both procedures are minimal and the results were satisfactory in over 90% of the case, the neurological deficit being corrected or drastically reduced.