BackgroundCarotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the procedure of choice for reducing the risk of stroke in both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenoses. Stroke is associated with significant morbidity and mortality peri-operatively (2–3 %). Our primary aim is to evaluate the etiology of these strokes after CEA and their impact on morbidity by comparing the length of stay in the hospital.