Carotid endarterectomy is the surgical procedure aimed at releasing occluded or partially restricted carotid arteries.
This dangerous pathological condition - also known as obstructive disease of the carotid arteries or stenosis of the carotid arteries - is established due to atherosclerosis and can be the cause of episodes of stroke or TIA ( transient ischemic attack ).
Carotid endarterectomy takes about two hours, except for complications.
At its conclusion, a brief period of hospitalization is foreseen, during which the patient is monitored in his vital parameters. If all goes well, the resignation takes place within 24-48 hours.
At this stage, the support of a trusted family member or friend is very important.
FIRST POST-OPERATIVE SENSATIONS
Once the effects of anesthesia are exhausted, the patient may experience pain in the operated area and various difficulties when swallowing food. To overcome these disorders, doctors advise taking painkillers and soft foods .
In general, an improvement in the situation should be observed within a few days.
SUTURE AND SCARS POINTS
The stitches applied on the neck (to close the surgical incision) can be of a reabsorbable type - in this case they "fall" on their own after about 2-3 weeks - or not reabsorbable - in this other case it is the doctor who takes them off when it deems it appropriate.
The scar left by the wound usually has a length of 7-10 cm.
RETURN TO DRIVING AND WORKING
To return to driving, it is advisable to wait for the doctor to leave. Except for complications, this happens 2 or 3 weeks after the operation.
As far as work is concerned, most of the people they work on resume their work after 3-4 weeks. Clearly, heavier jobs may require a longer abstention period.
