Surgery is what type of commitment?

• Surgery is done as an inpatient. You are in the hospital for 1-2 days. You must check in 2 (two) hours before your surgery time. The procedure takes about 2 hours.

• You will need someone to drive you home when you are discharged, usually the next day.

• You should plan on being off from work/activity for 2 weeks.

• You cannot fly for 1 month after your procedure. You will want to avoid sun exposure to the incision on your neck for 6 months.

What happens at the hospital?

• You will meet with an anesthesiologist at the hospital to help you decide on a type of anesthesia (general, local cervical block, etc).

• You will be given a prescription for pain medication before you leave the hospital.

• Your staples will be removed before you leave the hospital and replaced by steri-strips (strong band aids).

What should I expect after I go home?

• Your steri-strips will fall off when they are ready (about one (1) week). You can shower and wash regularly.

• You will be unable to drive for 10 days, or until the stiffness in your neck goes away.

• It is normal to have neck swelling and/or bruising.

• You may have a hoarse voice and some numb areas in your neck. This improves with time.

• You will be seen in our office for a follow-up in 10-14 days. Call to schedule your appointment once you are home.

If I need bypass surgery, what type of commitment is it?

• Surgery is done as an inpatient. The day of your surgery, you must check in 2 hours before your surgery time. The procedure itself takes about 3 hours. You are in the hospital for 4-5 days. You will need someone to drive you home.

• You should plan on being off from work/activity for one (1) month.

• You cannot fly for 2 months after your procedure. Your surgical leg should not be exposed to the sun for 6 months.

What happens at the hospital?

• Your procedure will be done under anesthesia. You will speak with an anesthesiologist before your procedure.

• After surgery, you may be monitored in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). You are transferred to your room for the remainder of your stay.

• Physical therapy will work with you to walk if necessary. You can go home after you can get in and out of bed & walk independently.

• You will be given a prescription for pain medication before you leave the hospital.

What should I expect after I go home?

• Each day you will see improvement in the range of motion of your legs. We encourage you to walk as a strengthening exercise.

• While recovering, you want to minimize the amount of fluid that accumulates in your leg. You must elevate your legs as much as possible.

• You should shower regularly. You need to wash your wound vigorously with soap and water to prevent infections.

• You may drive after about three (3) weeks when you feel safe and have regained the range of motion in your leg(s).

• You will be seen in our office 10-14 days after being home.

• You will have follow-up appointments, including ultrasounds, to evaluate the blood flow to your leg. ( in 3, 6 and again in 12 months)