Question 1

what are the side effects of carotid artery surgery?

Accepted Answer

Numbness: The most common post-op complaint is actually incisional numbness as well as numbness over the jaw bone of the operated side. Male patients have to be careful when shaving post-op. Pain is surprisingly not a common complaint, or at least manageable. Risks of a carotid endarterectomy include bleeding, nerve injury, stroke and heart attacks- the risk of any major adverse event should be around 2-3%.

Question 2

a family member just returned home from carotid artery surgery on the left side what are the normal after effect symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms after surge: He can continue to have the left side of chest pain, shortness of breaths with over exertion.  Pain at the surgical sites.  So keep eyes on the possibility of infection or bleeding or other post-surgical related issues.

Question 3

carotid artery surgery and lack of blood supply to the brain. could that cause stroke effects?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Call Now!: Patients who have had carotid artery surgery definitely have a risk of stroke. The highest risk of stroke is during and immediately after the procedure and is generally quoted at about 2%. If you are experiencing any signs of stroke and have had recent carotid surgery call your surgeon immediately or go to the emergency room. Difficulty speaking or weakness on one side of the body would be the most common complaints.

Question 4

can you be too old to have carotid artery surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: Age is relative. If a high functioning person has a TIA (mini-stroke) or a full blown stroke with carotid artery narrowing > 50%, then offering carotid surgery is an option. Poor cardiac function ( a bad heart ) is a contraindication for general anesthesia, however there are other options such as carotid stenting or an awake carotid endarterectomy using a nerve block.

Question 5

what is the definition or description of: carotid artery surgery?

Accepted Answer

Surgery of carotid: There are different kinds of carotid artery surgery.  The most common, however, is called a carotid endarterectomy.  This is done for carotid artery stenosis (blockage).  The artery is opened and the blockage is carefully removed and the inside of the artery is cleaned up.  The vessel is then often closed with a patch to make it a little larger.

Question 6

at what age are you considered too old for carotid artery surgery?

Accepted Answer

Age/carotid surgery: I don't think there is an age limit. Many factors besides age come into play when considering any surgery. Carotid artery stenting has certainly allowed older patients to have carotid blockages corrected but at a somewhat higher risk for stroke.

Question 7

if i had carotid artery surgery, what is the expected recovery time?

Accepted Answer

Fast: Really depends if you have pre or post procedure stroke or mini stroked which should be unusual . Most probably of everything goes well you can be home next day of surgery and active going to work within a week if pain is controlled

Question 8

what is the recuperation for carotid artery surgery?

Accepted Answer

2-6 weeks: If it was done for patient with no neurological deficit then two weeks to go back to light duties and probably six weeks for full activity.

Question 9

can statin drugs reduce need for carotid artery surgery?

Accepted Answer

Rumors exist: There is definitely evidence that the use of statins reduces the incidence of strokes and heart attacks. There have been isolated reports of carotid plaque (narrowing) shrinking with the use of statins but this has not been found true for everybody. Most people agree that statins work by "stabilizing" the plaque and preventing it from rupturing and causing a stroke. This is a hotly debated topic.

Question 10

what is recovery time after carotid artery surgery?

Accepted Answer

Carotid surgery: It is generally a one or two day hospitalization and several weeks at home after that depending on your recovery process and your surgeons instructions.

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Doctor answers about:

What are the side effects of carotid artery surgery

A member asked:

What are the side effects of carotid artery surgery?

A member asked:

A family member just returned home from carotid artery surgery on the left side what are the normal after effect symptoms?

A member asked:

Carotid artery surgery and lack of blood supply to the brain. could that cause stroke effects?

A member asked:

Can you be too old to have carotid artery surgery?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: carotid artery surgery?

A member asked:

At what age are you considered too old for carotid artery surgery?

A member asked:

If i had carotid artery surgery, what is the expected recovery time?

A member asked:

What is the recuperation for carotid artery surgery?

A member asked:

Can statin drugs reduce need for carotid artery surgery?

A member asked:

What is recovery time after carotid artery surgery?

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