A retrospective analysis of 588 patients was performed. Some ninety-two patients (15%) had unilateral carotid bruits detected on admission examination. None had had cerebrovascular symptoms. Postoperative strokes (4) occurred in the total group of 588 patients. All occurred in patients without bruits. There were no permanent or transient postoperative neurological deficits in the group of patients with asymptomatic unilateral carotid bruits. No data could be found to support the necessity for preoperative carotid arteriography and endarterectomy in the patient with an asymptomatic carotid bruit prior to undergoing a major operative procedure.