A carotid endarterectomy is an operation to remove plaque (fat & cholesterol buildup) from inside your carotid artery. Each side of your neck has a carotid artery that brings blood to your brain, neck, and face. Doctors can do this surgery on the left or right side of your neck. Doctors remove plaque from carotid artery walls to improve blood flow to your brain. Plaque can slow down or block blood flow. If your brain doesn't get enough blood, you might have a stroke.

When does a doctor perform a Carotid Endarterectomy? A surgeon will check your medical history and test results. They might suggest a carotid endarterectomy if you:

• Have carotid artery disease (Your doctor may have spotted in an ultrasound that plaque buildup blocks at least half of your carotid artery)
• Have poor blood flow
• Experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a mild stroke because of significant carotid artery disease
• Have a severe blockage or narrowing in your carotid artery but show no symptoms.

How should I prepare for this procedure? Before a carotid endarterectomy, you might need to:

• Take tests such as a cerebral angiogram, CT angiography, or MR angiography. These tests give insights about your carotid arteries and brain.
• Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take (including over-the-counter drugs, herbs and supplements).
• Your doctor will advise you to stop taking certain medicines. Most patients will continue to take aspirin throughout the procedure.
• Give up tobacco products.
• Follow specific instructions from your medical team to get ready for your procedure.

What are the potential benefits and risks of Carotid Endarterectomy? A carotid artery endarterectomy helps prevent future strokes. Most patients handle the procedure well. Skilled surgeons keep risks low. However, like any surgery, a carotid endarterectomy carries potential complications:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage
• Seizures
• Brain damage
• Future artery blockage
• Stroke
• Heart attack

You might think of carotid endarterectomy as major surgery because it could lead to life-threatening complications. However, the risks change based on:

• How severe the carotid artery disease is
• Where the blockage sits
• If you've had a stroke before
• Whether you have other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes or kidney problems
• Your age (older adults face higher risks)
• Your sex (women might face more complications)

What Happens after a Carotid Endarterectomy?

• You will spend the night in the hospital so your doctors can keep an eye on you after the operation. You'll get to eat and drink a few hours after the surgery ends.
• You might have a short-term drain in your neck to get rid of fluid from your cut. This drain stays in for just a day or two
• It is normal to feel some neck pain for about two weeks after. It can be managed with pain medicines.
• Your doctor might start or resume taking aspirin, clopidogrel, or other medications to prevent blood clots.
• Your doctor will talk to you about changing some daily habits to stop plaque buildup, clot formation, and other issues in your carotid arteries.

Even after a successful procedure, your doctor may suggest:

• Eating healthier foods
• Staying active (if it's safe)
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Reducing your stress level
• Taking medicine to lower your cholesterol These steps can prevent plaque from building up again.

What is the recovery time? Most patients go home 2 - 3 days after the procedure. At home, you can shower. Keep your incision clean every day. Avoid wearing clothes that rub against your incision. You'll be able to get back to most of your regular activities within one to two weeks. Driving is okay once your cut has healed and you can turn your head without discomfort. The area close to your jawline and earlobe might have no feeling for six months to a year before you're recovered.

When should I call a doctor? Get in touch with your doctor if you:

• Feeling cold or having a fever
• Coughing up blood or yellow or green mucus
• Problems swallowing
• Pain in your chest
• Legs that look puffy
• Hard time seeing
• Feeling dizzy, weak or numb
• Hard time breathing
• Your cut looks red or has green or yellow stuff coming out
• Your head hurts, you feel confused, or you have trouble talking or understanding what others say