Carotid Endarterectomy: Regional Anesthesia Options

What is the regional anesthesia used for carotid endarterectomy?

1) General anesthesia

2) Spinal anesthesia

3) Epidural anesthesia

4) Local anesthesia

Answer:

The regional anesthesia used for carotid endarterectomy is local anesthesia.

Regional anesthesia used for carotid endarterectomy is typically local anesthesia. Unlike general anesthesia, which induces unconsciousness, or spinal and epidural anesthesia, which involve injections into the spaces around the spinal cord, local anesthesia involves the injection of anesthetics directly at the site of the surgery to cause a temporary loss of sensation in that specific area. This allows the patient to remain awake while the sensation of pain is blocked.

Local anesthetics are particularly useful in carotid endarterectomy procedures because they allow for active neurological assessment during the surgery, which is important for monitoring brain function while the carotid arteries are operated on.