This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Predictors of return to work following carotid endarterectomy. BJS 2008; 95: 1111-1114.

Published: 25th June 2008

Authors: R. S. Vohra, P. A. Coughlin, P. McShane, M. Bains, K. A. Laughlan, M. J. Gough et al.

Background

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an important part of secondary prevention in selected patients following a transient ischaemic attack or stroke. A key marker of success, return to work following surgery, was assessed in a retrospective cohort study.

Method

Patients from the UK aged less than 65 years at operation were sent a questionnaire concerning return to work after CEA. Data were analysed using univariable tests and logistic regression.

Results

Some 174 (64·4 per cent) of 270 patients responded; their median age was 60 (range 35–64) years and 124 were men. Seventy‐five per cent of respondents employed preoperatively returned to work following CEA. Newly retiring patients were older (62 versus 58 years; P < 0·001). Univariable analysis confirmed that age and preoperative stroke influenced return to work. The adjusted odds ratio for patients with versus without a preoperative stroke was 0·46 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·22 to 0·97) (P = 0·040). Median convalescence was 4 weeks, but was shorter in the self‐employed (P = 0·039) and prolonged in patients with symptomatic cardiovascular disease (P = 0·023) and those who required postoperative critical care (P = 0·039).

Conclusion

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