Discharge Instructions for Femoral Endarterectomy

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 as instructed. Don’t skip doses.

• Check your wound 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. You may need some time to get back 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 healthy foods. Choose those that are 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 be more physically active. Walking is a good choice. 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 these:

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

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

• Chest pain

• Trouble breathing

• Loose stitches, or your cut opens

• Bleeding a lot from the cut

• Leg swelling that doesn’t get better