Before being admitted for surgery, you will have a careful pre-operative assessment.
If you are admitted to a surgical outpatient clinic and listed for surgery, you will be seen in a pre-assessment clinic.
However, nowadays, a more common approach is for patients with recent onset symptoms to be seen in dedicated single-visit outpatient clinics.
They are then often admitted directly to the Vascular Surgery Unit for immediate surgery if they are found to have a severe (50%-99%) narrowing of their carotid arteries.
Pre-admission clinic
You will have a physical examination and be asked about your medical history. Any further tests or investigations that are needed will also be carried out at this time.
The pre-admission clinic is a good opportunity for you to ask your treatment team about the procedure. However, you can discuss any concerns that you have at any time.
If you are taking any medication (prescribed or otherwise), it would be useful to provide details by bringing it with you to the pre-admission clinic.
You will be asked whether you have had anaesthetic (painkilling medication) in the past and whether you experienced any problems or side effects, such as feeling sick (nausea).
You will be also asked whether you are allergic to anything, to avoid a reaction to any medication that you may need during your treatment.
Your treatment team will ask you about your teeth, including whether you wear dentures, have caps or a plate. This is because during the operation you may need to have a tube put down your throat to help you breathe and loose teeth could be dangerous.
Preparing for surgery
Before having a carotid endarterectomy, your surgeon will discuss how you should prepare. They may give you the following advice:
- Stop smoking: smoking will increase your risk of developing a chest infection, it can delay healing and increase your risk of developing a blood clot (embolism).
- Watch your weight: if you are overweight, losing weight will be recommended; as strenuous exercise could be dangerous, you will need to do this by diet; your GP will be able to advise you about how to lose weight.
- Gentle post-op exercise: being active can help your recovery, but you should not overdo it; your surgeon or GP can advise you about how much you can do.
- Think positive: a positive mental attitude can help you deal with the stress of surgery and aid your recovery.
Read more about preparing for surgery.
