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Peripheral Bypass Surgery

What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

Does you leg muscle cramp after walking short distances? Leg pain may mean you have peripheral artery disease. The disease occurs when your artiers can't bring enough blood to your leg and foot muscles. Peripheral bypass surgery can relieve your symptoms.

What are the Symptoms?

Periperal artery disease may cause muscle cramping, fatigue, or discomfort after a short walk. The pain, called claudication, goes away when you stop. Or you may fell pain in your leg, foot, toes, or heel while resting. This is called rest pain. Peripheral artery disease (also called peripheral vascular disease) often occurs in both legs. But it tends to affect one leg first.

Preparing for Surgery

Before the bypass, you may be told to prepare in the following ways:

  • At least 4 weeks beofre surgery, you may choose to donate your own blood. This is in case it is needed during surgery.
  • At least 3 weeks before surgery, stop smoking
  • Shortly before surgery, you may have an ECG or EKG (electrocardiogram), a chest x-ray, or a blood test. You may also need to limit certain medications.
  • The day beofre surgery, take any medications the surgeon tells you to. Don't eat or drink anything after the midnight before surgery, or as instructed.

Your Bypass Surgery

The type of bypass you have depens on where your leg artery is blocked. One of two types of bypasses can be done. During the bypass, you will be closely monitored to ensure the safest possible surgery.

Types of Periperal Bypasses

Perpheral bypass grafts carry blood from the femoral artery in your thigh to an artery further down your leg. There are two common types of peripheral bypasses. One type is used for the upper part of the leg. The other is used for the lower part. You will recieve the type of bypass that fits your needs.

Hospital Recovery

Plan on being in the hospital about 3 to 8 days. The length of your stay depends on the type of bypass you have, your health, and your response to surgery.

After surgery you will be in a recovery room and from there you may be moved to intensive care. Once you are stable you will be moved to a regular hospital room. You leg may swell and be painful. You will be given medication to control pain and prevent infection. As you regain your strength you will begin walking. Elevate your leg whenever you are sitting. Tell a nurse if you have chest pain, foot pain, or shortness of breath. Aslo let your surgeon know if your incision is draining or if you ahve constipation.

Home Recovery

You can leave the hospital when your surgeon says it is ok. Be sure to have someone to drive you home. See your surgeon as instructed so they can check your leg. Expect to have some leg swellling after the surgery. This will lessen over time. Follow these tips to speed your recovery:

  • Care for your incision and take any medications as directed.
  • Wear slippers or shoes when walking. Avoid skin burns by testing the temperature of bath and shower water before you get in.
  • Don't stand or sit with your feet down for long. When you sit, raise your foot as high as you comfortably can.

Call your surgeon if:

  • Your incision drains, or becomes hot, red, or painful.
  • Either foot shows changes in color, temperature, feeling, or movement.
  • Your pain increases, or your leg swells and does not improve overnight.
  • You have a fever.

 


Bypass Types:

Femoral Popliteal Bypass

Bypasses to the popliteal artery end behind the knee. Either your own vein or a synthetic material may be used for the graft.

Distal Bypass

Distal (lower leg) bypasses end below the knee. Either your own vein or a combined graft, made from your vein and a synthetic material, may be used.

Risks and Complications

Every surgery has some risks. Your surgeon will talk with you about the risks of peripheral bypass surgery. They include:

  • Bleeding or blood clots
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Breathing problems
  • Infection
  • Need for second bypass or surgery to remove dead tissue
  • Nerve damage and numbness