Discharge Instructions for Femoral Endarterectomy

A femoral endarterectomy is surgery to restore normal blood flow through a large blood vessel in the groin area. This blood vessel is called the femoral artery. You have 2 femoral arteries, one on each side of your body. They carry blood into your legs. During the surgery, a surgeon made a cut (incision) in the skin over the site of the blocked artery. The artery was opened and the blockage was cleared. This surgery was done to reduce your risk of having the blocked blood flow cause leg tissue to die.

Home care

• Spend your first few days after surgery resting at home. You can do quiet activities such as reading or watching TV.

• Take your medicines exactly as instructed. Don’t skip doses.

• Check your incision every day for signs of infection. These include redness, swelling, drainage, or warmth.

• Keep the wound dry until your healthcare provider says it's OK to shower. Don't scrub your incision.

• Slowly increase your activity. It may take some time for you to return to your normal activities.

• Don't do strenuous activity for 7 to 10 days after your surgery.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kg) for 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery.

• Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it’s OK. This will most likely be 1 to 2 weeks.

• Ask your provider when you can go back to work.

Long-term changes at home

• Eat a healthy diet. Make sure your diet is low in fat, cholesterol, and calories. Ask your healthcare provider for menus and other diet help.

• Stay at a healthy body weight.

• After you recover from surgery, try to exercise more. Walking is a good option. Ask your healthcare provider how much walking they advise. Ask about any other exercise tips.

• If you smoke, ask your healthcare provider for help quitting.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment as directed.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Signs of infection at the incision site (redness, pain, swelling, or drainage)

• Chest pain

• Trouble breathing

• Loose stitches, or your incision comes open

• Bleeding a lot from the incision

• Leg swelling that doesn’t get better