Carotid endarterectomy - Recovering from carotid endarterectomy

After a carotid endarterectomy, you will usually be moved to the recovery area of the operating theatre, or a high dependency unit (HDU) in some cases.

A HDU is a specialist unit for people who need to be kept under close observation after surgery, usually because they have high blood pressure and need to be closely monitored.

After surgery your breathing and heart rate will be monitored to ensure that you are recovering well.

You may have some discomfort in your neck around where the incision was made. This can usually be controlled with painkillers. You may also experience numbness around the wound, which should disappear after a while.

Most people are able to eat and drink a few hours after having surgery. You will usually be able to leave hospital and return home within 48 hours.

Wound care

The wound on your neck will be closed with stitches. You may have dissolvable stitches, which should disappear after about three weeks. However, you may need to have the stitches removed. Your surgeon will be able to advise you about this.

Your surgeon will also be able to give you advice about caring for your wound. This will usually be a simple matter of keeping it clean using mild soap and warm water.

You may be left with a small scar running from the angle of your jaw to the top of your breastbone. The scar is usually about 7 to 10cm (2.5 to 4 inches) long and will fade to a fine line after two or three months.

Driving

Your GP will be able to advise you about when it is safe for you to drive after surgery. You will be able to drive when you can safely carry out an emergency stop. For most people, this is between two to three weeks after the operation.

If you have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), you will not be allowed to drive for a month afterwards. If you have fully recovered, you do not need to inform the DVLA unless you drive a lorry or a bus for a living.

Work and exercise

Most people are able to return to work three to four weeks after having a carotid endarterectomy. Your surgeon or GP will be able to advise you further about returning to work.

You may be advised to limit physical activity for a few weeks after having surgery. This includes manual labour and playing sports. If your job involves manual labour, you should only perform light duties until you have fully recovered.