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Why do I need the operation?

There is a blockage of the artery supplying your leg and the circulation of blood to your leg is reduced. The operation is to remove the fatty deposits (plaque) surgically, through an opening in the artery. This will improve the circulation to your leg.

What does the operation involve?

Normally a cut about 10cm (4inches) long is made in the groin to expose the main artery (Common Femoral Artery) supplying the leg.

The plaque is removed and the artery is closed using a patch of vein or synthetic material.

The wounds are all closed either with dissolving stitches, which do not need to be removed, or with a non-dissolving stitch or metal clips which will normally be removed after about ten days.

What happens after the operation?

After your operation you will be given fluids by a drip in one of your veins until you are well enough to sit up and take fluids and food by mouth.

The nurses and doctors will try and keep you free of pain by giving pain killers. Within a day or so, the drip and bladder catheter will be removed.

You will become gradually more mobile until you are fit enough to go home.

You may be visited by the physiotherapists after your operation. They will help you with your breathing to prevent you developing a chest infection and with your mobilisation to get you walking again.

Going Home

After this type of surgery, patients normally return home about 5 days after the operation.

If your stitches or clips are the type that need removing, this is usually done whilst you are still in hospital. If not, we will arrange for your GP’s practice or district nurse to remove them and check your wound.

You may feel tired for some weeks after the operation but this should gradually improve as time goes by. Regular exercise such as a short walk combined with rest is recommended for the first few weeks following surgery followed by a gradual return to your normal activity.

Driving : You will be safe to drive when you are able to perform an emergency stop. This will normally be 2-4 weeks after surgery, but if in doubt check with your own doctor.

Bathing: Once your wound is dry you may bathe or shower as normal.

Work : You should be able to return to work within 6-12 weeks of surgery. We will provide you with a sick note but if you need longer off work, please see your GP.

Medicines : You will usually be sent home on a small dose of aspirin if you were not already taking it. This is to make the blood less sticky. If you are unable to tolerate aspirin, an alternative drug may be prescribed. Elevate your leg as much as possible to prevent swelling.

Potential Complications

Thrombosis and embolism (clotting of the artery) at the surgical site or beyond it. If this occurs, it is usually necessary to perform a second operation to re-open the artery.

Wound infection: Wounds sometimes become infected and this may need treatment with antibiotics. Bad infections are rare. Occasionally, the wound may need to be cleaned out under anaesthetic.

Fluid in the wound: (Seroma) Occasionally, the wound may fill with fluid (lymph). This may be clear but is often blood stained. It normally settles in time but may require suction (aspiration) to help remove the fluid.

Skin sensation: You may have patches of numbness around the wound due to the inevitable cutting of small nerves to the skin. This usually gets better within a few months.

Chest infections: These can occur following this type of surgery, particularly in smokers, and may require treatment with antibiotics and physiotherapy.

Major complications : As with any major operation there is a small risk of you having a medical complication such as a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, chest problems, loss of circulation in the legs or bowel or infection in the arterial patch.

Who to contact If I have any concerns?

Less than 24 hours post discharge:

Call 01752 202082 and ask for the ward you were discharged from.

After 24 hours post discharge:

Urgent Medical Help: 111 or 999

Pain/ medication concerns: GP

Operation specific questions: Consultant’s Secretary or Vascular Specialist Nurse

Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Lead Clinician

Mr Devender Mittapalli

Secretary: 01752 431822

Consultant Vascular and Transplant Surgeon

Mr Jamie Barwell

Secretary: 01752 431822

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Surgeon Commander Cris Parry RN

Secretary: 01752 431822

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Miss Catherine Western

Secretary: 01752 431805

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Lt Col Robert Faulconer

Secretary: 01752 431805

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Mr Hashem Barakat

Secretary: 01752 431822

Vascular Nurse Specialist

Mr Alan Elstone

Miss Jess Webster

01752 431805