Quality of life of 50 carotid endarterectomy survivors: a long-term follow-up study.

The quality of life of 50 subjects who underwent carotid endarterectomy was investigated in a follow-up study varying from 81 to 105 months. Subjects were retrospectively classified in either low or medium preoperative risk categories. Risk was determined from the previous medical history and the findings of the carotid angiography. Quality of life was estimated from the functional level and such psychosocial factors as work, leisure, and finances during the follow-up period. All subjects had minimal dysfunction in ADL and cognition. Medium risk subjects, however, had marked dysfunction in home and outside activities and social interaction. Fifty percent of the working subjects were forced to take an early retirement. Quality of life seems more affected by cardiovascular problems in the 22 medium risk patients and by neurologic problems in the 28 low risk patients. This study suggests the importance of long-term rehabilitation goals to preserve the quality of life.