An audit of the number of carotid endarterectomies performed over the last 4 years was performed in the south western region. For the years 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993 the number of cases were 126, 165, 165 and 164 respectively. It is estimated for this region that about 600 operations should be carried out per annum. This under-performance may reflect a lack of knowledge about the potential benefits of surgery.
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