Carotid artery surgery, such as carotid endarterectomy or stenting, helps prevent stroke by addressing plaque buildup or blockages in the carotid arteries. Understanding the recovery process is important for preparing for the journey back to health.
Your First Days After Surgery
Following carotid artery surgery, you will typically spend your first few hours in a recovery area where medical staff will closely monitor your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. You may have an intravenous line for fluids and medication, and if a drain was placed in the incision area, it is usually removed within a day. Most individuals are able to eat and drink a few hours after the procedure.
The hospital stay generally lasts one to two days, allowing the care team to ensure stability and monitor for any immediate complications. Mild pain or soreness around the incision site can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Temporary voice changes, such as hoarseness, or mild difficulty swallowing may occur due to nerve stretching or swelling, but these often improve. Fatigue is also common for several weeks following surgery.
Caring for Yourself at Home
Once discharged, recovery continues at home, focusing on incision care and gradual return to activity. Keep the incision clean and dry, washing it gently with soap and water, and patting it dry. If surgical tape strips are present, leave them on for about a week or until they fall off, and avoid applying lotions or creams until the incision has healed. Some numbness along the jawline, incision line, or earlobe is expected and typically improves over several months.
Activity levels should be gradually increased, with rest taken when feeling tired. Daily walking, increasing distance incrementally, helps promote blood flow and prevent complications. Strenuous activities like heavy lifting (over 10 pounds) or jogging should be avoided for at least two to three weeks, or as advised by your doctor. Driving is usually restricted for one to two weeks until head movement is comfortable and an emergency stop can be performed. Most people can return to work within two to four weeks, depending on their job.
You can typically resume your normal diet, though soft, bland foods may be preferred initially if swallowing is uncomfortable. Staying well-hydrated is also important. To prevent constipation, a fiber supplement might be helpful if bowel movements are not regular.
Understanding Warning Signs
It is important to recognize signs that may indicate a complication requiring immediate medical attention. New or worsening neurological symptoms, resembling those of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), are a concern. These include sudden numbness, weakness, or loss of movement in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body. Sudden vision changes, trouble speaking or understanding speech, or problems with walking or balance also warrant urgent evaluation.
Other signs requiring prompt medical contact include severe or sudden pain in the neck, excessive bleeding from the incision site, or a tight bulge in the neck, which could indicate a hematoma. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus-like drainage, or red streaks extending from the wound, should also be reported. A persistent fever, especially above 100.4°F (38°C), or significant difficulty breathing or swallowing, are also reasons to seek immediate medical care.
Life After Recovery
Long-term recovery from carotid artery surgery involves ongoing monitoring and lifestyle adjustments to maintain arterial health and prevent future issues. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon or neurologist are an important part of this, often including ultrasound checks of the carotid arteries to monitor blood flow and detect any recurrent narrowing. These visits are typically scheduled one month after surgery, then every six months for two years, and annually thereafter.
Lifestyle modifications are important for long-term health and stroke prevention. This includes careful management of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, often with prescribed medications, as uncontrolled levels can contribute to further plaque buildup. Adopting a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, coupled with regular physical activity, supports cardiovascular well-being.
Quitting smoking is also recommended, as it significantly impacts arterial health. Some individuals may experience emotional challenges like anxiety or depression during recovery; seeking support from healthcare providers or support groups can be beneficial.