After undergoing a carotid endarterectomy (CEA), regular follow-up is crucial to monitor your recovery, manage any potential complications and ensure long-term success. Here's a breakdown of the typical follow-up schedule and what to expect:

Immediate

• Hospital stay: Your initial follow-up will occur during your hospital stay, typically for one to two days after surgery. Your doctor will monitor your vital signs, check for signs of infection or bleeding, and assess your overall recovery progress.
• Discharge instructions: Upon discharge, you'll receive detailed instructions on incision care, pain management, activity restrictions, dietary recommendations and medication schedules.

Short-Term

• One to two weeks after surgery: You'll likely have a follow-up appointment with your doctor or surgeon to assess your incision, manage any pain or discomfort, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
• Four to six weeks after surgery: Another appointment will typically occur at this time to remove any stitches or staples, evaluate how you're adapting to activity restrictions, and potentially perform a carotid Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow through the repaired artery.

Long-Term

• Six months after surgery: This follow-up may involve another carotid Doppler ultrasound and a discussion about continued risk factors and lifestyle modifications to optimize long-term outcomes.
• Annually: Regular annual check-ups with your doctor are necessary for ongoing monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors, potentially including additional imaging tests like duplex ultrasound or angiograms to check for recurrent stenosis.

Additional Considerations

• The specific follow-up schedule may vary depending on your individual recovery, underlying risk factors and your doctor's recommendations.
• Be sure to attend all scheduled appointments and promptly inform your doctor about any new symptoms or concerns you experience after surgery.
• Adhering to lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation and managing chronic conditions can contribute to long-term success after CEA.

If you or your loved one is in the San Antonio area, Boerne or New Braunfels, call 210-369-9151 today to make your appointment with Dr. Busken.