Bypass Surgery (Peripheral Arterial Disease)

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What is Bypass Surgery (Peripheral Arterial Disease)?

Bypass surgery for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a surgical procedure that reroutes blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery in the limbs, most commonly the legs. PAD occurs when arteries that supply blood to the legs or arms become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries). The goal of bypass surgery is to restore blood flow to the affected area, improving circulation and reducing symptoms like pain or the risk of tissue death (gangrene).

When to consult a doctor for Bypass Surgery (Peripheral Arterial Disease)?

The diagnosis of the need for bypass surgery due to PAD typically involves several steps: Medical History and Physical Exam, Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), Doppler Ultrasound, Angiography, Blood Tests & Treadmill Test.

You should consult a doctor if:

  • Pain, cramping, or tiredness in your legs and hips, especially when walking or exercising, which goes away after rest, could be a sign of PAD.
  • Persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, especially if it worsens over time.
  • Sores or wounds on the legs or feet that are slow to heal or do not heal at all. This indicates reduced blood flow, which may require surgical intervention.
  • If one leg or foot feels much colder than the other, this could be a sign of reduced blood circulation due to blocked arteries.
  • Skin discoloration or shininess on the legs, feet, or toes may indicate poor blood flow.
  • If you experience severe pain in your legs or feet, even when resting, this suggests that the blood flow is severely reduced, a condition known as critical limb ischemia.
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Causes
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Obesity
Symptoms
  • Intermittent Claudication
  • Numbness or Weakness
  • Coldness in the Lower Leg or Foot
  • Sores or Ulcers
  • Change in Skin Color or Texture
  • Hair Loss or Slow Hair Growth on Legs
Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery usually involves a hospital stay of several days, followed by several weeks of at-home recovery. Patients may need to participate in a rehabilitation program to regain strength and improve circulation.

Risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and complications from anesthesia. Long-term risks involve the potential for graft blockage.

Patients should report any signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision), severe pain, changes in skin color or temperature, or new or worsening symptoms in the legs.