Carotid endarterectomy (CEA)

[smee]

My father had a mini stroke over Christmas and has now been told his artery is 80% blocked, so he's been scheduled to have Carotid endarterectomy surgery. He's 76, so a general anaesthetic's no small deal. Just looking for more information on it from anyone whose parents might have had similar.

bump bump .. anyone had surgery like this??

Hi there

My mum had this done around 4 years ago when she was 79-80. it was done under a local injection- no GA because they need to talk to the patient to check there is no loss of consciousness or another stroke.

My mum was fine. it took about 2 hours so it was stressful for her, but she was okay.

She had a bit of an issue with the scar tissue for a while but now it's hardly noticeable.

The only thing I'd say is make sure it is done by a good surgeon who does this op often. My mum had 1 of the best neurologists in the UK and that was a great comfort to us.

Thanks Amelia - good to hear your mum's okay. Dad wasn't offered a local. Maybe that's new thinking, or just the Surgeon's individual preference. Am a bit worried at the thought of him having a general, as they really can knock you for six.

Good point about the Surgeon. I will do some digging. It's a top teaching hospital and I know he's experienced, so I'd imagine it's okay, but I will investigate.

My mum's surgeon was insistent that it had to be a local anaethestic because they keep talking to them to assure they have not had a stroke during the op- that is a risk- that a tiny clot can break off during the procedure.

The dr who did hers was recently named as one of the best five neuros in the UK and has done loads of these ops.

This was at a large teaching hospital too. Under new rules, can your dad have the op with the dr of his choice- anywhere?

Not sure how that works. Don't suppose you happen to know do you? I'd read that it can be done under local, and that sounds preferable given his age / risks. Not sure how he'd feel about it though! I will try and find out more for sure. Thanks for advice, it's ever so useful.

I think youjust ask your GP but don't quote me.

My mum's surgeon was Prof Mendelow at newcastle RVI.

She was very nervous but they kept asking her throughout the op if she still had full feeling in her arms, legs, toes etc etc...

no choice about local or GA- was told that was how he did it.

I think that's how it was for my father - he was just told that's what the procedure is and it's GA. I'll have to get the Surgeon's name from him, then check how experienced he is. Thanks again!

I suspect as with a lot of ops that the more experienced the dr, the happier he is to have a patient who is awake.

This is what I have found with various procedures I have had!

That makes sense. I've had an op awake and it was fine. Not sure my Dad would be very into it though!