Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid Endarterectomy - What it is

​A carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a surgical procedure to reduce the risk of ischaemic stroke.

carotid endarterectomy conditions and treatments

An ischaemic stroke or “brain attack” may occur when major arteries in the neck (carotid arteries) are narrowed by fatty deposits (plaques).

The narrowing of the carotid arteries can damage the brain when blood flow is reduced or when fatty deposits break off and block arteries in the brain or eye.

CEA is recommended if there is severe narrowing in the carotid artery with or without the following symptoms:

  • Sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
  • Sudden transient blindness and blurring of vision for one eye (amaurosis fugax)
  • Sudden difficulty in talking or understanding speech

Tests to confirm the degree of blockage of the major arteries in the neck will be ordered.

Carotid Endarterectomy - Symptoms

Carotid Endarterectomy - How to prevent?

Carotid Endarterectomy - Causes and Risk Factors

Carotid Endarterectomy - Diagnosis

Carotid Endarterectomy - Treatments

Carotid Endarterectomy - Preparing for surgery

​How should I prepare for the procedure?

  • You will be assessed by an anaesthetist to see if you are fit to undergo surgery. Routine blood, radiological
    investigations and an electrocardiography (ECG) used to measure heart activity, will be done
  • You can continue your blood thinning medication. Your doctor will advise when you should stop taking the
    medication
  • Do not smoke before surgery to reduce the risks of blood clotting and chest infection

What to expect during the procedure?

  • The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia
  • An incision is made at the side of the neck to reach the affected artery
  • The artery is clamped to temporarily stop blood flow
  • An incision is made on the narrowed blood vessel, and the plaque is removed. The clamps are removed to
    restore blood flow to the brain
  • The vessel is sewed back. A shunt may be inserted to maintain blood flow to the brain during the process
  • The wound will be closed with absorbable stitches. Medical tape will be placed above the stitches to promote healing
  • The surgery usually lasts 3 to 4 hours

What happens after the procedure?

  • The drain inserted during the surgery will be removed a day after
  • Patients will be monitored overnight in a high dependency unit and discharged within 3 to 5 days following surgery. No removal of suture is generally expected
  • Some pain may be expected near the wound at the neck; some may face difficulty swallowing during the first few days after surgery
  • Engaging in light activities may help speed up recovery and prevent complications
  • You will be asked to move your arms and legs and be examined by the medical team to make sure that no
    new stroke symptoms develop

Carotid Endarterectomy - Post-surgery care

Carotid Endarterectomy - Other Information

What are the benefits, risks and limitations?

Benefits

  • For suitable patients, CEA is more effective than medical management in reducing risk of stroke

Risks

  • Stroke occurs in 2-3% of patients with no pre-procedure symptoms; in 5-7% of patients with pre-procedure
    symptoms such as a mini-stroke
  • A heart attack may occur during the procedure; a detailed pre-surgery heart evaluation is required
  • Blood clot at the wound
  • Wound infection
  • Nerve impairment, affecting voice and tongue control

Limitations

  • Does not improve the outcome of a severe stroke if it is pre-existing
  • Post surgery, the fatty deposits (plaque) can return if the same conditions that caused it are present. Lifestyle
    and diet changes like keeping one's blood pressure and cholesterol under control are important
  • If surgery is not suitable or extremely high risks are involved, other options like carotid angioplasty and
    stenting (insertion of a metal mesh tube into the vessels to prevent narrowing) may be considered

Download the Carotid Endarterectomy brochure

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

TOP
Discover articles,videos, and guides afrom Singhealth's resources across the web. These information are collated, making healthy living much easier for everyone.