Day of discharge
Carotid endarterectomy
Draft — pending clinical reviewThe artery in your neck was opened through a cut on its side and the fatty plaque removed, to lower your risk of a stroke.
About this treatment →About the condition →Also for this procedure: Long term →
Today and tonight
This is major surgery on the neck and you will usually have stayed in hospital for a short period before going home. [VERIFY]
Take it easy at home today and tonight. Rest, keep your head and neck comfortable, and avoid straining or heavy exertion. [VERIFY]
Pain and medication
Some neck soreness, stiffness and difficulty turning your head are expected for the first days to weeks. [VERIFY]
Take the pain relief you are sent home with as directed. [VERIFY] Keep taking any blood-thinning or cholesterol medicines exactly as prescribed — these protect against stroke. [VERIFY]
Your dressings & stockings
The neck wound may have a dressing or be left exposed, with dissolvable or removable stitches. [VERIFY]
Keep the wound clean and dry and follow the advice you are given on washing and when the dressing or stitches come off. [VERIFY]
Moving and activity
- Walking
- Gentle walking around the home is fine and encouraged. [VERIFY]
- Driving
- Do not drive until you are cleared to — there is a specific waiting period after this operation. [VERIFY the timeframe]
- Work
- Time off work depends on your job and recovery; discuss this with your surgeon. [VERIFY]
- Exercise
- Avoid heavy lifting, straining and vigorous exercise until you are advised it is safe. [VERIFY the duration]
- Flying
- Ask your surgeon before flying — there is usually a waiting period after neck surgery. [VERIFY the timeframe]
When will I be back to normal?
Most people recover over a few weeks. Neck stiffness and numbness around the scar settle gradually. [VERIFY]
What is normal
- Soreness, stiffness and a pulling feeling in the neck.
- Numbness or altered sensation around the scar, jaw or earlobe, which usually improves over weeks to months. [VERIFY]
- Mild bruising and a firm, slightly raised scar that softens and fades over time.
- A hoarse voice or minor difficulty swallowing that usually settles. [VERIFY]
What is not normal — contact us
Contact the clinic if you notice any of these:
- The neck wound becoming increasingly swollen, red, hot or leaking.
- A rapidly enlarging swelling or lump in the neck. [VERIFY]
- A temperature or feeling unwell.
- Worsening trouble swallowing, breathing or speaking. [VERIFY]
Emergency — go to hospital now
Call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away if you have:
- Signs of a stroke — face drooping on one side, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or slurred or muddled speech. Remember FAST and call emergency services immediately.
- Sudden loss or blurring of vision in one eye.
- A rapidly swelling neck, or sudden difficulty breathing.
- Sudden severe bleeding from the wound that does not stop with pressure.
- Chest pain, or fainting and collapse.
Your follow-up
You will be given a wound check and review, and told when your next ultrasound scan of the arteries is due. [VERIFY the timing]
Questions?
If anything worries you or you are unsure, it is always better to ask. Message the clinic on WhatsApp.