A carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove plaque buildup from the carotid artery, a major blood vessel in the neck that supplies blood to the brain. This procedure aims to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke. Understanding what to observe during the recovery period is important for a safe healing process.
Initial Recovery Observations
Most individuals stay in the hospital for one to two days after a carotid endarterectomy. Mild discomfort is common during this immediate post-operative phase. Patients often experience neck pain, soreness, a sore throat, and some difficulty swallowing for about a week.
Numbness around the incision, extending toward the jawline and earlobe, is frequent and may persist for several months. Swelling and bruising around the neck incision are normal and resolve over time. Gentle movement is encouraged to aid circulation, but strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks. Pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication.
Monitoring Neurological Well-being
Monitoring for neurological changes is important, as stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can be a complication after carotid endarterectomy. Watch for sudden weakness or numbness affecting one side of the body, particularly in the face, arm, or leg.
Changes in speech, such as slurred words or difficulty understanding others, require immediate attention. Vision disturbances, including sudden blindness in one eye or double vision, are significant signs. Other indicators include a sudden, severe headache, sudden dizziness, or a loss of balance. A facial droop, where one side of the face appears to sag, warrants prompt medical evaluation.
Caring for Your Incision Site
The incision from a carotid endarterectomy is typically a small cut, located on the side of the neck. Initially, a temporary drain might be placed to collect fluid, which is usually removed within a day. Proper care of this site involves keeping it clean and dry.
Gently wash the area daily with mild soap and water, then pat it dry. It is important to avoid soaking the incision in baths, scrubbing it, or applying lotions, creams, or ointments unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. Additionally, avoid wearing tight clothing or anything that might rub against the healing incision. While incision site infections are uncommon, certain signs indicate a potential issue.
Signs to watch for include excessive bleeding or bright red blood soaking through the bandage. Significant swelling at the incision, or a tight bulge in the neck, could indicate a collection of blood. Spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain around the incision, or the presence of pus-like discharge or a bad odor are also indicators of a possible infection. A fever above 100.4°F (38°C) also warrants medical attention.
Understanding When to Seek Help
You should call emergency services immediately if you experience any severe neurological symptoms, such as those described in the “Monitoring Neurological Well-being” section.
Difficulty breathing, a tight bulge in your neck that feels like it is obstructing your airway, or uncontrolled bleeding from the incision site also require emergency medical attention. Other urgent signs include loss of consciousness or symptoms that suggest a heart attack, such as chest pain or pressure. When contacting medical professionals, be prepared to describe your symptoms, when they started, and any relevant vital signs like temperature or blood pressure if you have been monitoring them.
For less urgent concerns, contact your surgeon’s office or healthcare provider. This includes pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication, loose stitches, or if the incision appears to be opening. New or worsening numbness around the incision, or any voice changes or facial nerve issues, are also reasons to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.