Bypass Surgery

You will have had investigation for your leg pain such as CT and MRI prior too needing a bypass procedure performed. If you have had an angioplasty or stenting done that has not been successful or been suitable to correct the problem, you may now be recommended to have a bypass graft done. Bypasses are used to re-route the blood supply around the blocked/affected area in a limb or other area in the circulatory system, much like a detour when a road is being repaired. An ultrasound scan will be done to determine if a vein from your leg is suitable to use for the bypass. If suitable the vein/s will be marked prior to surgery on your leg with a surgical marking pen. If no suitable vein is found then a synthetic graft will be used. The chosen graft will be tunnelled into position and attached/stitched to the artery on either end of the graft.
Your surgeon will discuss the risks of surgery with you at your clinic appointment prior to signing a consent form for the procedure.

Day of Surgery

Admission to hospital usually on the day of the procedure
Vein marking if required
General anaesthetic or spinal required
Operation may take approx 2- 3 hours
You will need to stay in the Intensive Care Unit for the first 24hrs for close monitoring then you will go to the general ward
Length of stay in hospital will be between 3 – 5 days
Stitches will be beneath the skin surface and covered with a dressing for a few days

Post Surgery

Gently start to mobilize when on the general ward and slowly increase
You will need to wear the ted stocking you have been given even when discharged home
You will not be able to drive a car for the next 3 – 6 weeks until you are able to apply the brakes
When sitting keep your leg and foot elevated on a stool to help with swelling
When travelling in a car sit in the back seat with the leg up on the seat.
Most patient recover within 6 weeks
You will need a clinic review in 3-6 weeks
Contact the rooms if you have any signs of a cool/cold leg, increased pain or swelling in your limb, any redness or discharge or breakdown of the wound