To get the best experience while viewing this site, it is recommended that you upgrade to a modern browser version of Chrome or Firefox.

You may do so by clicking on one of these icons:


southern new mexico surgery center
 
  •  

  •  
    Health Library Explorer
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
    Older Adults

    After Carotid Endarterectomy: In the Hospital

    The first few hours

    You’ll be closely monitored in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) or the intensive care unit (ICU) for the first few hours after surgery. Here, you will wake up from the anesthesia. Try not to move your head or neck, the area where the incisions were made. It’s normal to feel some pain near the incision. You'll get pain medicine as needed. You’ll also have an IV (intravenous) to give you fluids and medicine. Your blood pressure, breathing, and other vital signs will be closely watched. Your loved ones may be able to visit you soon. The medical staff will watch your mental state closely to make sure there are no changes.

    Man in hospital bed, healthcare provider checking his IV.

    As you regain strength

    If your blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate are normal, you will be moved to a regular room. If your doctor has concerns about your blood pressure and heart rate being too low or too high, you may need to spend some more time in the ICU. Expect to be up and walking within 24 hours if you have no problems. If a drain was inserted into the wound area, the doctor or a nurse will remove it the day after surgery. Most people spend at least 1 night in the hospital. You can go home when your doctor says it’s OK. Have a trusted adult drive you home.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Deepak Sudheendra MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
    Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2024
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. Todos los derechos reservados. Esta información no pretende sustituir la atención médica profesional. Sólo su médico puede diagnosticar y tratar un problema de salud.
    horizontal line

    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Disclaimer