Aneurysm Surgery

Post-Operative Instructions After Open Aortic Surgery

Activity

  • It is common to feel fatigue and lack of energy for 6 to 8 weeks.

  • Daily walks will speed your recovery.

  • When sitting, elevate your legs.

Diet

  • No special diet is necessary.

  • Eat anything you can—your body needs fuel to recover.

Wound Care

  • Shower and wash daily, especially the surgical areas.

  • Hard areas around or under your incisions are a normal part of healing.

  • Numbness below the groin incisions is normal and should improve over a few months. Massaging the area helps.

Medications

  • Resume all pre-operative medications.

  • Take prescribed pain medication as directed. A stool softener can help avoid constipation.

Symptoms to Watch

  • Call our office if your incisions become very red, tender, or swollen.

Follow-Up

  • Schedule an appointment with our office about 2 weeks after leaving the hospital.

  • Keep a list of questions to bring to your appointment.

Carotid Artery Surgery

Post Operative Instructions for Carotid Endarterectomy

Activity

  • You may resume driving after your first office visit.

  • Move your head and stretch gently.

  • Fatigue or low energy after surgery is common and usually improves after two weeks.

Diet

  • Resume your regular diet unless otherwise instructed.

Wound Care

  • Shower and begin washing your neck wound starting two days after surgery.

  • The paper tapes covering your incision should be removed by day 7. It is okay to pull them off. Slight skin separation is normal.

  • Massaging the incision area may help with healing.

  • Some neck swelling and numbness under your chin is normal and may last a few months.

  • A hoarse voice or mild sore throat when swallowing is also normal.

Medications

  • Resume all pre-operative medications.

  • Most patients do not need additional pain medication.

Symptoms to Watch

  • Call our office if your neck develops rapid swelling or severe pain.

  • Call immediately if you experience any symptoms of a stroke.

Follow-Up

  • Schedule a follow-up appointment with our office 2 weeks after surgery.

  • Be sure to arrange a ride home from the hospital, as most patients are discharged the morning after surgery.

Vein Surgery

Post-Operative Home Care Instructions - VNUS CLOSURE / ABLATION

Diet

  • Resume your normal diet on the day of surgery.

  • If you had general anesthesia, begin with liquids or light food. If tolerated, resume a normal diet.

Activity

  • Begin walking the day of surgery.

  • Avoid standing in one place for long periods.

  • Elevate your leg at a 90-degree angle whenever sitting.

  • Walk at least 15 minutes daily, increasing gradually.

  • More walking is encouraged if you feel comfortable.

  • Gentle stretching of the legs 3–4 times per day can aid recovery.

Bandages

  • Keep surgical bandages on for at least 3 days.

  • Your doctor will remove them at your follow-up unless otherwise instructed.

Normal Post-Operative Changes

  • Swelling: Common near the bandage area (ankle or thigh) due to compression. Improves with leg elevation after bandage removal.

  • Bruising: May appear along the treated vein, incision areas, or ankles. This will improve gradually. Arnica cream may help.

  • Numbness: Caused by irritation of nearby nerves. Massaging the area 3–4 times per day can help.

  • Pain/Inflammation: Mild discomfort or redness may appear about one week after surgery. This is a normal reaction. Stretching can help relieve symptoms.

  • Vein Sensation: You may feel a cord-like structure where the vein was treated. Massaging can reduce this over time.

  • Aching/Swelling: Some increased aching or swelling is normal about one week post-op as you become more active and remove the bandage.

Compression Stockings

  • These can be worn after dressing removal.

  • If they irritate the incision, wait until the site has healed.

  • They are especially helpful during flights or prolonged sitting.

Leg Elevation

  • Elevating your legs for 5–10 minutes at a time during the first month can help reduce swelling and aching.

If You Had General Anesthesia

  • Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.

  • Avoid signing important documents or making major decisions for 24 hours.

  • No alcohol for 24 hours.

Follow-Up

  • Additional post-op instructions will be provided at your follow-up visit.

Arterial Bypass Surgery

Post-operative Instructions for Arterial Bypass Surgery

Activity

  • Walk at least 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily. Increase gradually.

  • Avoid sitting with your legs down or standing for more than 15 minutes during the first month.

  • Elevate your legs at a 90-degree angle while sitting.

Diet

  • No dietary restrictions unless otherwise advised.

Wound Care

  • Wash wounds thoroughly each day with soap and water.

  • Remove steri-strips by the end of your first week at home. A slight separation of the skin is normal and will close on its own.

  • Massage around the incision area can help restore sensation. Do not apply creams or lotions until your first post-operative visit.

Medications

  • Resume all pre-operative medications.

Symptoms to Watch

  • Some drainage is normal, especially if the leg is swollen.

  • Call our office if the area becomes increasingly red, tender, or if drainage worsens and does not improve with leg elevation.

Follow-Up

  • Schedule a follow-up appointment 2 weeks after leaving the hospital.

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