Complications

Possible complications of a carotid endarterectomy

It's rare to have complications after a carotid endarterectomy.

But as with any operation there are risks, including:

stroke - there's a small risk of having a stroke after the operation
pain, numbness, bruising or swelling, which usually gets better soon after the operation
severe bleeding under the wound - this is rare but if it happens you may need further surgery
an infection in the wound - this is rare and usually easily treated with antibiotics
nerve damage - sometimes nerves that are close to the carotid artery can be damaged, causing numbness or weakness in your face

The specialist will discuss the risks of having a carotid endarterectomy in more detail with you before you have the operation.

If your carotid artery becomes narrowed again, you may need to have another operation.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You've recently had a carotid endarterectomy and you have:

severe pain that does not go away
pus or blood coming from your wound, or your wound is swollen or tender
a very high temperature, or you feel hot or cold and shivery

These symptoms could be signs of a problem like an infection.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Call 999 now if:

you have weakness or numbness down 1 side of your body
you have blurred vision or loss of sight in 1 or both eyes
you are finding it difficult to speak or think of words
you are confused and have memory loss
you are feeling dizzy or falling over
you have a severe headache
you feel sick (nausea) or you are being sick (vomiting)

These are symptoms of a stroke and need immediate medical attention.

Call 999 to get medical help if you've had symptoms of a stroke within the last 24 hours even if they've now stopped.

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

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