Recovery
After surgery, it is important to rest as it is common to feel tired. Lying flat for 4-6 hours may be required to allow the leg wound to begin healing. Patients have reported feeling discomfort for the first few days following the endovascular stent grafting procedure.
Side effects experienced may be swelling of the upper thigh, numbness of the legs, nausea, vomiting, leg pain or throbbing, malaise, lack of appetite, fever, and/or absence of bowel movement for 1 to 3 days.
During this time in hospital, the doctor may encourage eating and short walks.
After leaving the hospital the doctor will give detailed instructions. These may include:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat a low-fat, low cholesterol diet
- Get daily exercise
- Do not drive until your doctor says that it’s OK
- Avoid baths – take a sponge bath or shower instead
- Do not lift heavy weights (more than 5 lbs) until approved by a doctor.
Follow-Up Visits
After surgery follow-up visits will occur with a doctor. At these visits, overall health will be checked to ensure proper healing.
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact a doctor immediately:
- Pain, numbness, coldness or weakness in the legs or buttocks
- Any back, chest, abdominal or groin pain
- Dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat or sudden weakness
- Call a doctor if you are required to reschedule a follow-up visit for any reason