Study raises concern over stroke surgery safety

Source: NursingTimes.net

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Date of publication: September 2011

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: New research suggests that surgery for treating strokes is significantly more dangerous than using medicine to treat the condition. A study ended early after patients who underwent surgery on their arteries were found to be twice as much at risk of potentially fatal events than those who were just given drugs.

Length of publication: 1 page news item

Thousands of patients miss out on stroke prevention surgery

Source: The Stroke Association 21st June 2011

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Date of publication: June 2011

Publication type: Press Release

In a nutshell: A new report from the Royal College of Physicians and The Vascular Society suggests that despite high profile public awareness campaigns, more than half of NHS patients with symptoms of stroke or mini stroke are failing to get fast access to life-saving stroke prevention surgery. The UK Carotid Endarterectomy Audit shows that a lack of public and professional awareness about the need for quick treatment, combined with badly designed hospital services, is resulting in hundreds of preventable strokes.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: The report on which these comments are based can be viewed here.

Improving the provision of carotid endarterectomy in line with UK Government targets requires more than just motivated surgeons

Source: Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England 2009 May; 91 (4): 326-9

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Date of publication: May 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: The aim of this study was to determine if a surgeon with an interest in carotid endarterectomy could make simple changes to practice patterns so that the procedure could be perfomed within two weeks of referral in the majority of patients. This study provides useful information for the development of carotid endarterectomy services in the UK.

Length of publication: 4 page article

Waiting times for carotid endarterectomy in UK: observational study

Source: BMJ 2009 Jun; 338: b1847

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Date of publication: June 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This observational study considers the timeliness of carotid endarterectomy services provided in the UK. The study measures the speed of patient assessement and surgery and takes into consideration operative and postoperative mortality.  Recommendations for implementing faster surgical referral are provided.

Length of publication: 6 page article