Patient Education: Carotid Endarterectomy

1. Understanding Carotid Endarterectomy

What it is:
A carotid endarterectomy is surgery to remove plaque (fatty deposits) from the carotid arteries in your neck. These arteries carry blood to your brain.

Why it’s needed:

To prevent strokes
To improve blood flow to the brain
When there is narrowing (stenosis) in the carotid artery that may cause blood clots

Location and severity:

Surgery is done on the neck, usually one side.
Severity depends on how blocked the artery is and whether symptoms like mini-strokes (TIAs) have occurred.

Cause / Risk Factors:

Atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in arteries)
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Family history of stroke or heart disease

2. Symptoms to Watch For

After surgery, monitor for:

Redness, swelling, warmth, or pus at the incision site
Fever
Numbness or weakness in face, arms, or legs
Trouble speaking or understanding speech
Severe headache or dizziness

Delayed complications may include:

Stroke
Nerve injury causing temporary or permanent weakness
Bleeding or hematoma at the incision site

3. Post-Hospitalization Information

Take all prescribed medications, including blood thinners, pain medicine, and antibiotics.
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and blood flow.
Avoid bending the neck too far or straining until cleared by your doctor.

4. Home Management & Recovery

Pain management:

Take pain medication as prescribed.
Use ice packs if recommended to reduce swelling.

Mobility:

Walk daily as tolerated to prevent blood clots.
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity until your doctor says it is safe.

Wound care:

Keep the incision clean and dry.
Follow your physician’s instructions for dressing changes.
Contact your doctor or home health nurse if the wound shows signs of infection.

Rest and rehabilitation:

Rest and gradually increase activity.
Gentle neck and shoulder exercises may be recommended to regain strength and movement.

5. Prevention of Complications

Infection prevention:

Wash hands before touching the incision.
Keep dressings clean and dry.
Avoid swimming or soaking until your doctor allows.

Fall prevention:

Remove loose rugs and obstacles.
Use proper lighting and railings to prevent falls.

Monitoring for delayed symptoms:

Watch for numbness, weakness, speech changes, or sudden headaches.
Contact your healthcare provider if any of these occur.

6. When to Contact Home Health vs ER

Contact home health or your doctor if:

Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness
Questions about medications or wound care
Minor dizziness or temporary mild numbness

Go to the ER immediately if:

Sudden numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking
Severe headache or vision changes
Rapidly spreading redness or pus
Heavy bleeding at the incision site

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False (20 Questions)

Instructions: Read each statement. Circle or mark whether it is TRUE or FALSE.

TRUE or FALSE: Carotid endarterectomy removes plaque from arteries in your neck.
TRUE or FALSE: The surgery is done to prevent strokes.
TRUE or FALSE: The carotid artery carries blood to your stomach.
TRUE or FALSE: High blood pressure and smoking are risk factors.
TRUE or FALSE: The surgery is performed on the chest.
TRUE or FALSE: Numbness or weakness after surgery may indicate a complication.
TRUE or FALSE: Fever and pus at the incision site may be signs of infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Walking is encouraged as part of recovery.
TRUE or FALSE: Heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared by the doctor.
TRUE or FALSE: You should keep the incision clean and dry.
TRUE or FALSE: Ice packs may be recommended to reduce swelling.
TRUE or FALSE: Follow-up appointments are not necessary after this surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Falling risks should be minimized at home.
TRUE or FALSE: Swimming is safe immediately after surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Sudden weakness or trouble speaking requires going to the ER.
TRUE or FALSE: Blood thinners may be prescribed after surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Only the doctor needs to monitor the incision; the patient does not.
TRUE or FALSE: Delayed complications can include stroke or nerve injury.
TRUE or FALSE: Gradual activity increase is important during recovery.
TRUE or FALSE: Contact home health for mild swelling or questions about care.

Answer Key with Explanations

TRUE – The surgery removes plaque from the carotid arteries.
TRUE – It is done to prevent strokes.
FALSE – The carotid arteries carry blood to the brain, not the stomach.
TRUE – High blood pressure and smoking increase stroke risk.
FALSE – The surgery is done on the neck, not the chest.
TRUE – Numbness or weakness may indicate a complication or nerve issue.
TRUE – Fever, redness, or pus are signs of infection.
TRUE – Walking prevents blood clots and helps recovery.
TRUE – Heavy lifting should be avoided until doctor clearance.
TRUE – Keeping the incision clean and dry prevents infection.
TRUE – Ice packs may help reduce swelling.
FALSE – Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing.
TRUE – Reducing fall risks helps prevent injury during recovery.
FALSE – Swimming may increase infection risk until cleared.
TRUE – Sudden weakness or trouble speaking can be a medical emergency.
TRUE – Blood thinners may prevent clot formation.
FALSE – The patient should monitor the incision for signs of infection.
TRUE – Delayed complications can include stroke or nerve injury.
TRUE – Gradual activity helps the body heal safely.
TRUE – Home health should be contacted for mild symptoms or questions.