Vascular Surgery is a subspecialty in the field of medicine that focuses on the surgical treatment of the human vascular system. The vascular system essentially involves the network of arteries and veins that carry blood throughout the body along with lymphatic circulation. Vascular surgery evolved as a separate subspecialty from general and cardiac surgery.

The highly experienced & certified vascular surgeons at Metro Hospitals perform various vascular and endovascular surgeries, including complex stenting procedures, blood clot removal, and bypass surgery. In addition to performing complex surgeries, our team of vascular surgeons treat different vascular and endovascular diseases through medication and recommendations on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.

Who needs to see a Vascular Surgeon?

As mentioned earlier, vascular surgeons look into conditions related to the vascular system involving blood vessels and the lymphatic circulatory system. Patients may oftentimes be referred to a see vascular specialist if there appears to be damage to their blood vessels or their symptoms indicate an underlying vascular cause. For instance, pain in the legs may be indicative of peripheral artery disease. Vascular surgeons will not always perform surgery for their patient’s conditions. Mostly they will try to treat the disease in the least invasive way possible before going into surgery.

Common Vascular Issues

Common vascular issues that may need you to see a vascular surgeon include

• Aneurysm
• Atherosclerosis
• Carotid artery disease
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Peripheral artery disease
• Spider veins
• Varicose veins

Other conditions that vascular specialists may help with include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and excessive smoking, as these problems directly or indirectly affect the vascular system.

Common Vascular Surgeries

Our specialist vascular surgeons have years of experience in their field. Common vascular surgical and non-surgical procedures performed at our hospital include:

• Angioplasty
• Arteriovenous Fistula Creation for Dialysis Access
• Atherectomy
• Carotid Endarterectomy
• Carotid Stenting
• Chronic/Non-healing Wound Management
• Conservative Management & Surveillance
• Dialysis Access
• Endarterectomy
• Endovascular Stent Graft
• Renal Transplant & Vascular Access
• Stenting
• Surgical Aneurysm Repair
• Surgical Bypass
• Thoracic Outlet Surgery
• Thrombolytic Therapy

Prepare Before a Vascular Surgical Procedure

• • Medicines
    Our surgical team will review & recommend the essential medications. Moreover, be sure to inform the doctors of all the medications you are taking, even any herbal or nutritional supplements, topical creams and ointments. The doctor may discontinue any anticoagulants you are taking and order a different type of blood thinner instead. A week before any vascular surgery, you will be asked to stop taking NSAIDs or other medications that decrease clotting time.
  • Diet
    The doctors will inform you exactly when to stop eating and drinking fluids before your vascular or endovascular surgery. Usually, you will be instructed to stop eating from the night before the surgery.
  • Lifestyle Changes
    As per your condition, the doctor will advise you to make certain changes in your lifestyle to ensure the best surgical outcome. This may involve losing weight, eating a healthy diet, regularly exercising, quitting smoking, etc.
  • Recovery Plan
    Patients are advised to make arrangements for their recovery period. They must arrange for a family or friend to drive them for the surgery and even afterwards. It is highly advised to make arrangements about who will be staying with them if they need any help after surgery. Patients must ask the doctor what they should do and avoid post-surgery.
  • Prepare Yourself
    Before you go to your appointment for the surgery, ensure you have all the required documents, ID proof and paperwork for the surgery. Also, think about the items you will be needing during the hospital stay and pack them well in advance.
  • Benefits of Vascular Surgery
    As mentioned, Vascular surgery is used to treat different medical conditions. These are, therefore, beneficial in-Improving Circulation
    • Eliminating Pain or Irritation resulting from Vein Conditions
    • Preventing the Recurrence of Venous Ulcers
    • Alleviating symptoms resulting from vascular conditions
    • Returning to Your Active Lifestyle
    • Promoting Better Sleep
    • Reducing the risk of developing other serious medical conditions

• Eligibility
  The doctors will perform certain diagnostic tests depending on the risk factors and symptoms to determine if you need Vascular surgery. The most common non-invasive diagnostic procedure for vascular surgery include:
  • Duplex Ultrasound
  • Arterial Physiologic testing, including Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and Pulse-Volume Recordings (PVR)

These are simple, painless tests that can help the doctor understand the location, type, and severity of your condition and if it makes you eligible for vascular surgery. In addition to these, the doctor may perform further screenings if he deems it necessary.

Who is not eligible for Vascular surgery?

Based on their evaluation, doctors will determine if a particular patient is ineligible for any specific surgery. Certain factors that can make you ineligible for vascular surgery include:

• Damage from Excessive Smoking
• Obesity
• Chronic lung disease
• Kidney disease
• Ongoing infections
• Ongoing medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.
• Allergies to anaesthesia or other drugs

Vascular surgeries, whether open or endoscopic, are beneficial in treating several conditions. If you suspect you have symptoms that might be treated by a vascular specialist or if you have been referred to a vascular specialist, you may talk to them at Metro Hospitals. Our expert doctors will do their best to answer your queries and guide you every step of the way.