Endartyerektomiya

Description endarterectomy

Atherosclerosis – hardening and rigidity of blood vessels, resulting from the accumulation of plaque (plaques). Plaques consist of fatty deposits, cholesterol and calcium salts. They accumulate on the inner wall of the arteries. This leads to, that the artery narrows and hardens. Plaques may slow or even stop blood flow.

Endartyerektomiya – surgery to remove plaque and improve blood flow. The operation is most often performed for the following vessels:

• The carotid artery in the neck, which supplies the brain – the most common operation;
• Aorta – main artery, that goes from the heart to the abdomen and branches further in the body;
• Iliac and femoral arteries – питают кровью ноги;
• Renal artery.

Reasons for endarterectomy

Surgery is performed to remove deposits in blood vessels and improving the blood flow. After surgery, symptoms of reduced blood flow (eg, stroke, digestive problems, leg cramps), must go.

Possible complications of endarterectomy

If you plan to perform endarterectomy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding;
• Stroke (especially, if carried out carotid endarterectomy);
• Blood clots;
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia;
• Infection.

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking;
• Poor overall health;
• Advanced age;
• Plaques in other vessels;
• Other serious diseases (eg, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney).

How is the endarterectomy?

Preparation for the procedure

Before the surgery, your doctor may:

• Perform a visual inspection, To make sure, that you are healthy enough for surgery;
• Assign research, in which the following detailed images of the arteries.

Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking some medicines:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin);
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel or warfarin.

Besides, perhaps:

• Do not eat or drink after midnight before surgery;
• We need to organize a trip home from the hospital.

Anesthesia

They can be used the following types of anesthesia:

• General anesthesia – blocks any pain and the patient support in a sleep state during operation. Administered intravenously in the arm or hand.
• Local anesthesia – anaesthetises body, during surgery, the patient is awake. It can be provided in the form of injections.

Procedure endarterectomy

On the part of the patient artery incisions performed. Their location will depend on the artery, which is operated by.

When endarterectomy in the abdomen and legs doctor will clamp the artery above the surgical site. The lower half of the body can do without a blood supply for a long time, allowing safely perform the surgery. If operation is performed on the neck, the doctor may first re-route blood around the operated space. This will allow the uninterrupted supply blood to the brain.

The doctor cleans the inside of the arteries from plaque, paying attention to, to small fragments of plaque does not come off, and did not get into the bloodstream. Once the artery is cleared, the skin will be closed with staples or stitches.

How long will endarterectomy?

Several hours (depending on the severity of the disease).

Endartyerektomiya – Will it hurt?

After the operation at the site of the incision may feel pain. Ask your doctor about taking drugs, that reduce pain.

The average hospital stay

This procedure is performed in a hospital. The usual length of stay is from one day to one week. The doctor can extend the period of stay, If there are complications.

Care after endarterectomy

Care in a hospital

During recovery in the hospital, you can get the following help:

• Will monitor vital signs and condition, To make sure, that there is no bleeding, blood clotting at the site of the operation or development of infection;
• Will be monitored, To make sure, that the wound heals properly and the pain is reduced.

Home Care

When you return home, Follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• Stitches (or staple) They will be removed after healing of tissues;
• If the doctor tells, you need to take blood thinners;
• Если проводилась эндартерэктомия сосудов брюшной полости, You can gradually resume a normal diet;
• To reduce the risk of plaque build-up, You need to make changes in diet, and included in the diet following products:
  • Low in saturated fat;
  • Get plenty of fruits and vegetables;
  • Consume more cereals and fish;
• According to the doctor to work with a nutritionist;
• We need to ask your doctor about, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Contact your doctor after endarterectomy

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding, or discharge from the incision;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, which do not disappear after taking the prescribed medicines, and persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Constipation or diarrhea;
• Inability to urinate;
• Dizziness and weakness;
• Severe headaches, problems with speech or vision;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.