What does a swelling felt in the area of endarterectomy indicate?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had a left carotid endarterectomy with a dacron patch eight months back. The skin has healed completely, but just under the skin is a very firm 3/4 inch "tubular" mass. The length of the incision is shaped somewhat like a cigar. My question is whether this is, in fact, the carotid artery I feel, or it is a swelling of something else that will eventually subside. Today I drove 70 miles for my post-op with the surgeon, only to find out when I arrived that he had delayed my appointment by two weeks. I have talked to three non-cardiac doctors, and they are reluctant to give me an opinion because they say they are not qualified. Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I passed carefully through your concern and would like to explain that what you have detected actually after surgery is due to your reconstructed left carotid artery coupled with some surrounding fibrosis which is considered normal and acceptable after such an intervention. You should not worry about this. Just wait and relax till you get your appointment with your attending doctor for a careful physical exam and additional tests (carotid artery ultrasound). The good thing is that the local surgical area is properly healed, and you are free of any disturbing symptomatology. Just keep following the prescribed medications properly and try to relax. Everything seems fine. I hope to have been helpful to you. In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again. Kind regards.

What does a swelling felt in the area of endarterectomy indicate?

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