Name of the Procedure:

Repair blood vessel, direct; lower extremity

• Technical term: Direct Vessel Repair, Lower Extremities
• Common name: Vascular Repair Surgery for Legs

Summary

This procedure involves surgically fixing damaged or blocked blood vessels in the lower extremities (legs). It helps restore normal blood flow, preventing complications like tissue death and improving function.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Peripheral Artery Disease, blood vessel trauma, aneurysms
• Goals: Restore blood flow, reduce pain, prevent tissue damage, improve mobility

Indications

• Severe pain in the legs due to blood vessel blockage
• Symptoms like numbness, weakness, or non-healing wounds in the legs
• Trauma or injury causing blood vessel damage in the lower extremities
• Diagnosis of an aneurysm in the leg arteries

Preparation

• Instructions: May require fasting for 8-12 hours before the procedure
• Medication Adjustments: Stop certain medications as advised by your doctor
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests, imaging studies like Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General or regional anesthesia is administered.
2. Incision: A surgical cut is made over the affected blood vessel.
3. Exposure: The damaged vessel is carefully exposed.
4. Repair: Specialized tools are used to repair the vessel, which might involve suturing, removing blockages, or patching an aneurysm.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with stitches or staples.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 2-3 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or surgical center.

Personnel

• Vascular Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical Nurses
• Technicians

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Infection at the surgical site, blood clots, bleeding
• Rare Risks: Reaction to anesthesia, nerve damage, vessel re-blockage
• Management: Close monitoring and timely intervention by the healthcare team

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Improved blood flow, relief from pain and symptoms, prevention of serious complications like gangrene
• Timeline: Benefits usually noticed within days to weeks post-surgery

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Keep the incision clean and dry, follow wound care instructions
• Recovery Time: Typically 4-6 weeks, varies depending on individual health
• Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities, follow a rehabilitation plan if prescribed
• Follow-Up: Regular check-ups to monitor healing and blood flow

Alternatives

• Medical Management: Medications, lifestyle changes, supervised exercise programs
• Minimally Invasive Options: Angioplasty and stenting
• Pros and Cons: Non-surgical options have lower immediate risks but may be less effective for severe cases compared to direct repair

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: The patient will be under anesthesia and unaware of the surgery.
• After the Procedure: Mild to moderate pain which can be managed with prescribed painkillers. Swelling and bruising may occur.
• Comfort Measures: Ice packs, elevation, and pain management will be provided to ensure comfort during recovery.