Surgery
Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid endarterectomy removes fatty build-up from a narrowed neck artery to reduce the risk of a stroke.
Quick answer
Carotid Endarterectomy: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Carotid endarterectomy is an operation to clear fatty deposits (plaque) from the carotid artery in the neck, which supplies blood to the brain, reducing the chance of a piece breaking off and causing a stroke.
- Why it is done: It is used for significant narrowing of the carotid artery, especially after a mini-stroke (TIA) or minor stroke, to lower the risk of a further, more serious stroke.
- What happens: Under general or local anaesthetic, the surgeon opens the artery through a cut in the neck, removes the plaque and closes the artery, often taking 1–2 hours.
What it is
Carotid endarterectomy is an operation to clear fatty deposits (plaque) from the carotid artery in the neck, which supplies blood to the brain, reducing the chance of a piece breaking off and causing a stroke.
Why it is done
It is used for significant narrowing of the carotid artery, especially after a mini-stroke (TIA) or minor stroke, to lower the risk of a further, more serious stroke.
What happens
Under general or local anaesthetic, the surgeon opens the artery through a cut in the neck, removes the plaque and closes the artery, often taking 1–2 hours. Blood flow to the brain is carefully maintained.
Recovery
A hospital stay of a day or two is usual. Most people recover over a couple of weeks, with the neck wound healing and normal activities resuming gradually.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
The main risk is a stroke around the time of surgery, which the operation aims to prevent overall. Other risks include bleeding, nerve injury affecting the voice or swallowing, and wound problems.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Carotid Endarterectomy: frequently asked questions
Why have surgery on a narrowed artery that isn’t causing symptoms yet?
Significant narrowing, especially after a TIA or minor stroke, carries a real risk of a major stroke. Surgery aims to remove that risk. For narrowing without symptoms, the decision is more individual.
Is it done under general or local anaesthetic?
Both are used. Local anaesthetic allows the team to monitor brain function during surgery, while general anaesthetic keeps you asleep. Your surgeon will discuss which suits you.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Cardiovascular Society / relevant professional body
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