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Bypass Surgery in Laurel, MD

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Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the lower extremities become narrowed and hardened. Typically, this condition is caused by the build-up of plaque and fat on artery walls; which narrows the vessels that connect to the lower extremities. This narrowing of the arteries restricts blood from reaching the legs and feet. Blood clots can also form and completely block the artery. People with PAD may complain of symptoms such as pain while walking; pain at night; rest pain; sores on feet and legs that will not heal; and dead tissue/gangrene.

Peripheral artery disease is often initially treated with medication, exercise, smoking cessation, wound care, and in some cases, angioplasty is performed. For many types of blockages, however, bypass surgery is the best option for treatment. A surgical bypass creates new pathways for oxygen-rich blood to flow into the lower extremities and bypass the blocked arteries.

When Is Bypass Surgery Necessary?

In most cases, your first treatment approach will be lifestyle changes, medication, and exercise. In many cases, if the person commits to these changes, their condition can improve. But when the patient has pain whenever waking, pain when trying to sleep, sores on the feet and legs that don’t fully heal, and other issues with pain, it may be time to consider surgery. At this point, some patients can have their condition resolved with angioplasty. But in other cases, the best option is to bypass the clogged or blocked arteries.

Generally, bypass surgery would be recommended if a patient has intermittent claudication. This is a tight, aching, or squeezing pain in the calf, foot, thigh, or buttock that occurs during exercise, such as walking or climbing a flight of stairs. Beyond claudication, the patient should also have symptoms that are limiting his or her lifestyle or work. Exercise and medicine have been tried but have not relieved your symptoms.

Read what our patients are saying!

"EXCELLENT Service and friendly staff. I have been going to the Minimally Invasive Vascular Center for years. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the care I have been given each of my visits. The doctors and staff have always been very tentative to my vascular problems. I would highly recommend this facility."

- O.W.

What Are The Risks Of Bypass Surgery?

As with any invasive procedure, there are risks associated with bypass surgery. Risks include:

  • Heart attack
  • Infections
  • Stroke
  • Pneumonia

The risk of developing these complications depends on the overall health of the patient prior to surgery. Any concerns should be discussed with a doctor prior to undergoing surgery.

Although bypass surgery improves blood supply to lower extremities, it does not cure underlying peripheral artery disease. Medication and healthy lifestyle changes are strongly recommended to reduce the risk of recurring vascular disease, and the need for additional vascular surgery in the future.

The Bypass Surgery Procedure

General or spinal anesthesia is administered to the patient during a surgical bypass. There are two locations where a surgical bypass may occur; the leg or the abdomen. A lower extremity bypass is often referred to as; leg bypass, fem-pop bypass, fem-tib bypass, or fem-distal bypass. An abdominal bypass is often referred to as; aortic bypass, aorto-iliac bypass, aorto-femoral bypass, fem-fem bypass, aorto-mesenteric bypass, or ax-fem bypass. The various types of bypasses depend on which blood vessel is being bypassed during the procedure.

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During the procedure, an incision about 4-8 inches long is made at the groin or mid-line crease, and again at the endpoint. A natural or synthetic graft is used to create the detour around the blockage. The graft is sewn to the artery at both ends with fine stitches. This procedure may take anywhere from 1.5- 6 hours.

Is Bypass Surgery Painful?

Your abdomen and groin will swell and be painful. You will have pain around your incision site. Your pain will turn a corner after about one week. Numbness and tingling in your foot is common after this surgery. But your foot should not appear mottled or purple or feel cold.

Bypass Surgery Recovery Time

After a surgical bypass, most patients experience incision pain/ discomfort for several days. A few weeks after the surgery, patients will be able to return to work and independently complete activities of daily living.

How Long Do You Stay In The Hospital After Bypass Surgery?

This varies with the location and extent of the bypass, but you should expect to spend from 3 to 7 days in the hospital. Probably 1 to 3 of those days will be in the intensive care unit.

What Precaution Should Be Taken After Bypass Surgery?

It’s likely that you will have spent time in the intensive care unit, followed by a regular hospital room. If your signs look good, you’ll then be released to return home.

When you return home you cannot sit for more than 1 hour. When you are sitting, it’s also important to raise your feet and legs on another chair or a stool. When you lie down, place a pillow under the lower part of your leg to elevate it.

What Happens To The Stomach After Bypass Surgery?

Your bowels often go to sleep for several days after bypass surgery. This is because the anesthetic used during your surgery paralyzes the bowel, which can lead to constipation for up to a week. Pain medications such as Vicodin or Percocet also cause the bowel to ore more slowly. Food is re-introduced gradually to get them operating normally again. When you return home, you may need over-the-counter medications such as Metamucil or Colace, as well as natural options such as apple or prune juice to get your bowels moving normally again.

What Our Patients Have To Say

"The doctors genuinely care about their patients and it shows. They take his time to educate patients and provide great care! After being misdiagnosed by several specialists he was able to diagnose and treat my vascular conditions. I can’t say enough about what wonderful surgeons they are! I appreciate the great care I was given!"

- Anonymous

What Foods Should Be Avoided After Bypass Surgery?

Your diet and lifestyle contributed to your PAD, so moving forward after your surgery you’ll need to make some serious changes if you want to keep this from happening again. You will need to adopt what is known as a “heart-healthy diet.” We will discuss the nuts and bolts of this diet with you during your consultation and aftercare. These are the basics.

bypass surgery Laurel, MD
  • Limit unhealthy fats and sodium.
  • Avoid sugary foods.
  • Avoid processed foods.
  • Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
  • Choose whole grains.
  • Choose low-fat protein sources, such as chicken and fish.
  • Choose low-fat dairy products.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Bypass Surgeon in MD

To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our Bypass Surgery procedures, contact us today at (855) 803-6482. Our practice serves Laurel, MD and the surrounding areas.

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Schedule a Visit with a Vascular Specialist

At Minimally Invasive Vascular Center in Laurel MD, your care and treatment is our top priority. If you any questions or concerns and would like meet with a consultant, please call us at (855) 803-6482 or contact us with your information. We look forward to providing you with the best solutions for your vascular needs.

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Our Location

9201 Cherry Lane
Laurel, MD 20708

Office Hours

Monday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Friday: 9am – 1pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

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