What is a carotid endarterectomy?

Surgery to treat carotid artery disease is referred to as a carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Carotid arteries are the primary arteries that supply oxygen and blood to the brain. The narrowing of these arteries occurs in the case of carotid artery disease. This may cause a stroke by reducing blood supply to the brain.

A carotid endarterectomy is an operation that may be carried out under local or general anesthesia. This operation involves creating an incision in the neck to facilitate the flushing of plaque out of the carotid artery from within, restoring blood flow to the brain.

Who needs to have a carotid endarterectomy?

A vascular surgeon will determine if a carotid endarterectomy is appropriate for you by:

• Evaluate you.
• Evaluate your root history.
• Execute diagnostic processes.

You and your doctor will decide whether or not to have the surgery. This surgery is performed by a vascular surgeon in a hospital surgical room.

Your physician may recommend a carotid endarterectomy if you:

• Must have a carotid artery disease.
• Had a history of having experienced a transient ischemic attack or a minor stroke due to severe carotid artery disease.
• Possesses a critical stenosis or obstruction of the carotid artery (often more significant than 80%) but presents with no symptoms related to the underlying disease.

Treatment involves medication with blood thinners, cholesterol lowering drugs and maintaining blood flow. Further, regular check-ups, cholesterol -lowing diets, blood thinners, angioplasty, and stent implantation may be prescribed if carotid endarterectomy is not considered to be an appropriate option.

Why do carotid endarterectomy procedures occur?

Plaque would be removed from the carotid artery through carotid endarterectomy to improve blood flow to the brain and thus decrease the chances of stroke.

What does this procedure treat?

One standard procedure for the treatment of carotid artery disease is carotid endarterectomy.

How often is this procedure performed?

Carotid endarterectomy is the most typical surgical method for carotid artery endarterectomy.

What happens before a carotid endarterectomy?

A cerebral angiography, which uses images from X-rays to more clearly visualize the anatomy of a patient's brain, can also be done in addition to these other tests and physical examinations as a precaution to ensure safety before surgery.

One main reason healthcare providers have turned to using CT or MR angiography to collect non-invasive information regarding both the brain and carotid arteries is that they would not risk stroke.

Inform your surgeon about all medications you are taking, including non-prescription drugs, herbs, and dietary supplements, before undergoing a carotid endarterectomy. Appropriate preparation for this surgery is to follow any specific instructions given. Preparation instruction includes discontinuation of aspirin or clopidogrel and quitting tobacco products.

What happens during a carotid endarterectomy?

It typically takes two hours to do a carotid endarterectomy.

Your surgeon will use regional anesthesia, which means you will be awake. Still, the area being operated on will be numb and general anesthesia, which makes you feel like you are asleep. You will also be given medication to relax you if you are having regional anesthesia.

Here are the steps your surgeon performs in a carotid endarterectomy:

• Makes a deep cut in the neck, about 4 inches in length, around where an obstruction would most likely be.
• Use a small tube to temporarily divert blood flow around an obstruction or narrowing and isolate the area.
• Makes a cut along the arterial section, which contains plaque.
• Removes the plaque and closes the hole, sometimes with a patch of material to enlarge the artery so that it cannot constrict again.
• Restores normal blood flow to the brain.

What happens after a carotid endarterectomy?

Most patients spend the night in the hospital to monitor any complications after their operation.

You may have a temporary drain placed in your neck where your doctor made an incision to remove fluid. Usually, this drain is only there for a single day.

Doctors are discussing the outcomes of the procedure, thereby lessening the possibilities of stroke and brain damage. However, a healthy lifestyle may prevent the plague accumulation, clotting, and recurrence of carotid artery problems.

What are the benefits of a carotid endarterectomy?

A carotid endarterectomy may be slightly acceptable and can decrease the chances of stroke to one-third within three years. However, even after a successful procedure, your doctor may still keep recommending:

• Enhancing your nutritional intake.
• Starting a safe workout program.
• Avoid using tobacco products.
• Lessening the level of stress.
• Using medicines to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
• By using these measures, it can be prevented for plaque to come back again.

What are the risks associated with a carotid endarterectomy?

Like any other surgery, the complications that may arise are:

• Contamination by Internal Organisms.
• Blood Clots.
• Nerve damage.
• Convulsions or seizures.
• Brain Injury.
• Arterial Occlusion or blockage in the future.
• A cerebrovascular accident. (This occurs in 2% to 3% of those without a previous stroke or transient ischemic attack and 5% to 7% of patients already having experienced one.)
• Myocardial infarction. (Heart attack)

On the other hand, an experienced surgeon holds a minimal risk for you.

A carotid endarterectomy has many risks depending on the following:

• How severe is your carotid artery disease?
• Where does the blockage occur?
• Whether you have had a stroke ever in your life?
• The presence of other serious comorbid conditions, such as kidney or diabetes.
• How old are you? Older patients are at higher risk.
• What is your gender? (Females may be at higher risk of complications.)

Discuss the surgery recommendation with your consultant, discussing its benefits, risks, and hospital outcomes. Although this procedure may lead to neck pain for two weeks, conventional painkillers can help relieve it.

What is the duration of recovery?

In most cases, it is possible for a patient to be discharged on the same day as the procedure, and most patients will recover quite quickly to return home. Showering is acceptable, but avoid rubbing the surgical glue; check the incision daily, and keep clothing off it. You can return to driving and resume most activities within three to four weeks.

When should I call the doctor?

Discuss with your physician if you have:

• Fever or chills.
• Mucous that is green or yellow when you cough or blood.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Pain in the chest.
• Swollen legs.
• Visibility Problems.
•  
• Numbness or weakness all over your body.
• Trouble in breathing.
• The incision becomes red, and you may have a green or yellow discharge from your incision site.
• A headache, confusion, or can't understand or talk to anyone.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for carotid endarterectomy?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most skilled professionals in the country. With the finest vascular surgeons specialized in carotid endarterectomy. Tender Palm stands out as the one of the best hospital for vascular surgeries in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any vascular condition

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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