Recovering From Carotid Artery Surgery

Your carotid artery is located on each side of your neck and is responsible for bringing blood flow to your face and your brain. This artery can become blocked (either totally or partially) by plaque, a fatty material. This will reduce your brain's blood supply, increasing your risk of stroke.

What to Expect After Surgery

You may be required to stay overnight in the hospital to be monitored for any warning signs. Risks associated with carotid artery surgery include swelling of your airways, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, bleeding in the brain, recurrence of blockage and, rarely, stroke.

Feeling Better

Normally, it takes only about a day or two to begin feeling more normal after carotid artery surgery. It is important to spend a few days relaxing and allowing your body to heal.

Driving

Take all medications as instructed and avoid driving until your doctor gives you the green light (usually one to two weeks after carotid artery surgery).

Changing Your Lifestyle

After surgery, it is time to consider making some lifestyle changes. Adopting a healthy diet and an exercise regime and quitting smoking can improve your overall health as well as the health of your arteries.

When to Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any oozing around your incision, swelling of your neck, numbness in your leg or arm, any abrupt changes in vision or loss of vision, a severe headache or difficulty speaking.

References

• Medline Plus: Carotid Artery Surgery
• Krames Patient Education: After Carotid Artery Surgery (At Home)
• Penang Adventist Hospital: Carotid Artery Surgery