General Information
DEFINITION--Removal of obstruction in carotid (neck) artery due to hardening of
arteries (arteriosclerosis).
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Carotid arteries.
REASONS FOR SURGERY--Prevention of stroke and transient ischemic attacks.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Adults over 60.
- Stress.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Poor nutrition.
- Excess alcohol consumption.
- Recent illness such as respiratory infection.
- Atherosclerosis; coronary artery disease; or diabetes mellitus.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep
inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--General surgeon, neurosurgeon, cardiovascular surgeon, or
peripheral vascular surgeon.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; ECG; arteriograms (See Glossary).
- After surgery: Blood studies.
ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube
placed in the windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- An incision is made in the neck over the obstruction.
- The obstructed area is isolated. Sometimes, a tube is used to circulate blood around the
obstruction.
- A small incision is made over the obstruction, which is scraped away. The opened area is
patched with a graft fashioned from a vein from another part of the body.
- If the bypass tube is temporary, it is removed.
- The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed in 2 weeks.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Inadvertent injury to a branch of the nerves to the face, vocal cord or tongue.
- Stroke.
- Hematoma (blood clot).
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--7 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications and restoration
of good blood flow to the brain. Allow about 2 weeks for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
† Move and elevate legs often while in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--vein
blood clots.
† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
† To help recovery and aid your well--
being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. Resume sexual relations when your
doctor determines that healing is complete. > Resume driving 3 weeks after returning
home.
DIET--Eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.
Call Your Doctor If
Any of the following occurs:
- Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and
fever.
- Nausea, vomiting or constipation.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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