Carotid Endarterectomy: Caring for yourself after surgery

Carotid Endarterectomy: Caring for yourself after surgery

We are committed to helping you recover safely and quickly. Use this information to take care of yourself at home. If you have questions about your follow-up care, talk to your vascular surgeon.

What can I expect after surgery?

Your hospital stay will last 1 to 2 days. Most patients can go home the day after surgery. Before you can go home, you must be able to eat a normal diet, tolerate physical therapy and not have a fever.

You may experience several side effects after your surgery.

  • Drowsiness, dizziness or weakness the day of surgery and the day after surgery.
  • An upset stomach (nausea), vomiting and fatigue due to medicine you were given during surgery.
  • Numbness between the incision and your cheek, which can last 3 to 6 months.

How do I manage my pain?

  • Take your pain medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed.
  • Keep your pain under control. Start your pain medicine at the first sign of pain.
  • Take your pain medicine with food to avoid an upset stomach. 
  • If you have nausea or vomiting, stop the medicine and call the vascular nursing staff.
  • Drowsiness and constipation are common side effects of prescription pain medicine.
  • To refill your prescription pain medicine, call your pharmacy on a weekday before 3 p.m. Prescription pain medicine will not be refilled in the evenings or on weekends.
  • Gradually switch from prescription pain medicine to over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), as your pain improves.

How do I care for my incision?

  • Keep your bandages on for 48 hours.
  • Use an electric razor to shave for 3 to 6 months after surgery.

What about drinking and eating?

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Resume your regular diet as you feel comfortable.
  • Eat a high fiber diet to prevent constipation, which can be a side effect of pain medication. Foods high in fiber include whole wheat bread and crackers, wheat bran, rye, barley, oats, corn and brown rice. Many fruits and vegetables also contain fiber.

What about activity?

  • You probably will feel weak after surgery, but move around as much as possible. 
    • Walk as much as you comfortably can 3 to 4 times a day. 
    • Gradually increase your distance as you feel comfortable. 
  • Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (about the weight of a half gallon of milk) for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Do not do strenuous activities 2 weeks after surgery.

What about bathing?

  • You may shower 48 hours after surgery.
  • Do not soak your incision under water, such as in a bath or swimming pools, until it is completely healed.

What are my restrictions?

  • Do not lift anything heavier than 8 pounds (about the weight of a gallon of milk) for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Do not drive for 2 weeks after surgery or until your first follow-up appointment.
  • Do not drink alcohol or make any major decisions, such as signing important papers or managing legal issues, for 24 hours after surgery or while taking prescription pain medicine.

When do I follow-up with my surgeon after surgery?

  • Usually you will need to see your surgeon 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Regular lifelong follow-up care is very important to evaluate the status of your carotid arteries. You will need an ultrasound 12 months after surgery. This exam looks for narrowing along your carotid artery that could cause a stroke.

When do I call my surgeon?

Call your vascular surgeon if you are having any of these symptoms:

  • Fever of 101°F (38°C) or higher
  • Increased redness, swelling or discomfort at the incision
  • Bleeding or drainage from the incision
  • Separation of your incision
  • Increased neck swelling

When do I call 911?

Call 911 if you are having any of these symptoms:

  • Severe headache on the same side as your incision
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness or tingling in your arms or legs
  • Confusion or blurred vision
  • Significant difficulty swallowing

Phone numbers

  • Park Nicollet Vascular Surgery
    Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    952-993-2651
    A nurse will return your call.
  • Methodist Hospital (emergencies only)
    Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
    Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 24 hours
    952-993-3123
    Identify yourself as a patient and ask the operator to speak to the “on-call” vascular surgeon. A surgeon will call you back.

 

15678 (12/2023) © HealthPartners