Vascular / General

A consultation with one of our leading vascular surgeons is an important first step in understanding your vascular health and determining the best approach to managing your specific condition. At your consultation you will be asked questions relating to your symptoms and a detailed medical history will be taken. A physical examination of the affected area may occur, along with any diagnostic tests that are required for a more detailed view of your condition, such as ultrasound imaging or CT scans.

Your surgeon will then discuss the recommended surgical plan with you, how it will benefit you, and go through the possible risks and complications associated with it. If you wish to go ahead with the procedure, you can then work with the admissions team to arrange a date for the procedure.

To prepare for your vascular surgery, it is important to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions. You will be contacted prior to your surgery date to confirm your fasting period (no food or drink to be consumed) and any specific requirements we need to take into consideration throughout your stay with us at Ormiston Hospital. It is important to arrange for someone to drive you home post-surgery and to plan for a recovery period at home.

During vascular surgery, the specific steps will depend on the type of procedure you will be having. The surgeon may repair damaged blood vessels, remove blockages, or perform reconstruction procedures to restore normal blood flow.

Typically, you will be given general anaesthesia so that you are asleep throughout the procedure. Depending on the type of procedure, the surgery may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Throughout the surgery, your vital signs are closely monitored for safety, and the surgical team ensures that the procedure is as smooth and efficient as possible.

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where medical staff will monitor your vital signs and ensure you are recovering well from the anaesthesia. Depending on the type of procedure you have done, your hospital stay will vary in length. Some patients may be able to go home the same day, whereas others may need a one-to-two-night hospital stay. 

Recovery time will vary between patients and on what procedure you have done. Typically, you will be able to resume your normal daily activities within a few weeks. You will have one or more follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery and the success of your procedure.

Varicose veins can cause discomfort, aching, and cosmetic concerns, and typically result from weakened or damaged valves in the veins that allow blood to flow backward and collect in the veins. Surgical removal of these veins helps relieve symptoms associated with this condition and prevents complications, such as blood clots, from occurring.

Carotid stenosis is a condition where the arteries in the neck are narrowed due to a build-up of fatty deposits or plaque, reducing blood flow to the brain. Surgically treating this blockage reduces the risk of stroke and relieves any symptoms associated with this condition.

Like any medical procedure, vascular surgery can carry possible side effects and risks. Your surgeon will discuss in detail the risks associated with your specific procedure and provide information on how these risks can be minimised, so you receive the best possible outcome. It is important to be well-informed of the possible risks before proceeding with your surgery. 

Here are some common side effects and risks:

• Infection of the surgical site
• Excessive bleeding
• Unexpected reaction to anaesthesia
• Nerve damage or blood clots
• Stroke