02-06-2007, 06:10 PM
Ask to talk to the physician that will be doing the procedure. There are many ways to do this with varying outcomes. dmann told you one way. However, the more common way is to make an incision in the neck over the carotid, bypass it, tie it off, filet it open and remove the blockage, sew it up, take out the bypass and seal it all up.
That's a quick thumbnail sketch. No one here (unless they are a vascular surgeon) can really give you a good explanation of the risks and benefits of the procedure. Surgery is really a physician by physician case. Some are really good with low complications. Others you would not want your worst enemy to go to.
It all boils down to talking to the surgeon. Ask to talk to him and corner him in the room. Have your questions written out so you don't forget them (I can't tell you how many times I forget my questions at the time of discussion. Sheesh!). The surgeon may be annoyed, but it's the patient that counts. Make sure you feel comfortable with decisions before he leaves.
Good luck! I think he will do fine. (tu) Especially with the knowledge that there is no permanent damage seen on testing.
-D
That's a quick thumbnail sketch. No one here (unless they are a vascular surgeon) can really give you a good explanation of the risks and benefits of the procedure. Surgery is really a physician by physician case. Some are really good with low complications. Others you would not want your worst enemy to go to.
It all boils down to talking to the surgeon. Ask to talk to him and corner him in the room. Have your questions written out so you don't forget them (I can't tell you how many times I forget my questions at the time of discussion. Sheesh!). The surgeon may be annoyed, but it's the patient that counts. Make sure you feel comfortable with decisions before he leaves.
Good luck! I think he will do fine. (tu) Especially with the knowledge that there is no permanent damage seen on testing.
-D