Peripheral Bypass Surgery
What is a Bypass Surgery?
Bypass surgery is a way to create a new pathway through which the blood can flow. Either a vein or a synthetic graft is attached to your artery above and below the area of blockage, creating a route around the blockage and improving blood circulation to the legs and feet.
How Do I Prepare for a Bypass Surgery?
Rest, eat well, quit smoking, and walk or do the exercise allowed by your doctor. During your pre-operative visit, you will be instructed on special breathing exercises to help in your recovery. You will also be asked if you routinely take a blood thinner, such as an aspirin product or Coumadin.
Several routine tests are done before surgery:
Make a list of any questions you have and be sure to ask your doctor before surgery. Prior to your surgery, you will receive specific instructions about the food you can have. Generally, you should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. You may be instructed to shower with special soap.
Some suggestions to help you prepare:
- Do not bring any valuables
- Bring a list of your medications with exact names and dosages
- Bring your insurance cards to the hospital
What Happens Prior to Surgery?
The morning of surgery you may be given medication that will make you feel relaxed and drowsy. You will be taken to surgery on a rolling bed and your nurse will tell your loved ones where to wait. The length of time you will be in surgery depends on what type of bypass you are having. Your surgeon will be able to give you an estimated time based on your particular case.
How Will I Feel After My Peripheral Bypass Surgery?
You will wake up in the recovery room and you may feel confused at first. It is normal to lose track of time. When you are awake you will either go to a hospital room or the Intensive Care Unit. Your family will be able to visit briefly. Be assured you are in caring, capable hands. You will be asked to breathe deeply and cough hard to clear your lungs. Your surgeon may have ordered pain medication, so don't hesitate to let your care provider know if you are uncomfortable.
What Can I Do When I Return Home?
Most people who have bypass surgery are in the hospital for a few days. Your physician will be able to let you know your expected length of stay. A home health nurse may come to your home after you are discharged.
You may be instructed to make some changes in your lifestyle such as modifying your diet to reduce consumption of fat and cholesterol, and exercising daily. Your surgeon will see you after surgery, usually within 2 weeks.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
You should call your doctor if:
- The incision site bleeds
- Your leg or incision site feels numb or cold
- You have leg swelling that increases
- You have sudden shortness of breath not related to exercise
- You have fatigue, especially with a fever
- You have signs of infection such as increasing redness, pain or oozing at the incision site
What Are the Risks?
We know the decision to undergo bypass surgery is stressful and an important one that you and your doctor have to make together. We hope this information has helped you gain a better understanding on which to base your decision. As with all invasive procedures, there is some risk associated with angioplasty and bypass surgery. There is some risk of stroke, bleeding, infection, heart attack, and death. After careful review of your medical history and a physical exam your surgeon will identify your risks.
What can I do?
You can change your life-style to reduce any unhealthy habits that contribute to peripheral vascular disease. If you smoke, it is very important to stop! Also, you will want to remove fat and salt from your diet, and start a daily exercise program.
Remember...
It is important to be your own best health advocate. A good way to do that is by committing to routine physical exams and diagnostic tests as often as is recommended by your cardiac specialist. Early detection of heart disease is important for effective treatment.