Carotid Endarterectomy
Restore Brain Blood Flow, Prevent Stroke After TIA.
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Non-Surgical Treatment
Explore conservative treatment options before surgery.
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) TreatmentSurgery Type
Select to compare approaches
What happens in this surgery?
- A small incision is made in the neck, typically along the front edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, to expose the affected carotid artery.
- The artery is temporarily clamped above and below the blockage to stop blood flow, and a small incision is made along the artery.
- The atherosclerotic plaque, which is the fatty material causing the narrowing, is carefully removed from the inner lining of the artery.
- After plaque removal, the artery is meticulously closed, sometimes using a patch (synthetic or from a vein) to widen the artery and prevent future narrowing, before the neck incision is sutured.
Ready to take the next step?
Connect with a specialist to see if Carotid Endarterectomy is right for you.
Post Surgery Recovery
What to expect after your procedure
Following a Carotid Endarterectomy, patients typically remain in the hospital for 1 to 3 days for monitoring. Pain at the incision site is common and can be managed with medication. Patients are closely observed for any signs of neurological changes or bleeding. Upon discharge, patients are advised to gradually resume normal activities, avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for several weeks. Full recovery usually takes about 2-4 weeks. Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and quitting smoking, are crucial to prevent future vascular problems and are often reinforced during the recovery period. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon and neurologist will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and the health of your carotid arteries.
Hospital Stay
1–7 days
Varies by procedure
Initial Rest
1–2 weeks
Light activity only
Follow-up Visit
2–4 weeks
Wound check & review
Full Recovery
6–12 weeks
Back to normal activity
Recovery & Wellness Tips
- Undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and imaging studies such as carotid ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI angiography to assess the extent of the blockage.
- Review all current medications with your doctor, especially blood thinners, which may need to be stopped or adjusted prior to surgery.
- Follow specific instructions regarding fasting from food and drink for several hours before the procedure.
- If you smoke, you will be advised to stop several weeks before surgery to improve healing and reduce complications.
