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Is It Safe To Fly In A Plane After Carotid Endarterectomy?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Question: How soon after a Corotid endarterectomy operation can I board a long haul flight?
My operation was performed on 30/03/15 and I was discharged from hospital the following day with no complications. Will I be able to fly a 12 hour flight?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please take a long haul flight 6 weeks following carotid endarterectomy

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. It is suggested that you take a flight only after 4 to 6 weeks after the carotid endarterectomy procedure.

2. As you are going to take a long haul flight then please schedule your flight after 6 weeks.

3. If your travel plans are an emergency then please make a follow up visit to your hospital and talk to your surgeon.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (5 minutes later)
I live abroad and need to get back to my home, I've had a District nurse remove the staples from my throat 5 days after my operation and blood pressure was normal as was heart beat. can I fly earlier than 6 weeks, I'm having difficulties seeing a GP because I live abroad.
My operation was carried out several hundred miles away, and I was advised by the surgeon that I would be fine to travel within 2 weeks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please wait at least 4 weeks before flying to safeguard your health

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. It is important to wait for at least 4 weeks in my opinion. This is a standard medical practice and recommendation following carotid endarterectomy procedure.

2. Any duration earlier than 4 weeks requires a complete clinical examination and follow up by the operating surgeon. This is to make sure your health is not compromised due to flying.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (5 minutes later)
I was advised by the surgeon that I would need a follow up scan after 6 weeks to ensure that all was well. But he did say that a short haul flight would be ok within a few days but that a long haul flight would be a couple of weeks. I'm desperate to get back to my home, and was hoping to fly within the next week, approximately 3 weeks after my operation. Is this at all do-able?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Flying at 3 weeks is certainly do-able if you take following precautions

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Your situation is understood and there is a need to fly back home at the earliest. Nice to know that you never had any complications and that your surgeon has recommended you to fly after a couple of weeks. In other words, your surgeon has done a good job and this means you are making a quick recovery.

2. In this case the long haul flight is certainly do-able after 3 weeks.

However, please take the following precautions
(i) you should take care not to lift any piece of heavy baggage when travelling. You can lift up to 6 pounds of weight and should ask for help to lift any weight heavier than this.
(ii) please remain stress free and enjoy your travel
(iii) inform in flight crew should you have any discomfort like dizziness
(iv) drink adequate fluids and keep yourself hydrated during your flight

Wishing you a safe and happy flight.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (4 minutes later)
Many thanks to you Dr. XXXXXXX I will certainly heed your advice.
I have at last been able to make an appointment with a local GP where I'm residing right now.
My appointment is not until the 22/04/15 so I will not now be flying until after that date, a little closer to your 4 week recommendation.
Again many thanks for your advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome and have a safe flight

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Welcome and thanks for writing back with an update.

Flying after 22/04/15 is a good decision. I am sure you will reach home safe and happy.

Wishing you a safe and happy flight.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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Is It Safe To Fly In A Plane After Carotid Endarterectomy?

Brief Answer: Please take a long haul flight 6 weeks following carotid endarterectomy Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below. 1. It is suggested that you take a flight only after 4 to 6 weeks after the carotid endarterectomy procedure. 2. As you are going to take a long haul flight then please schedule your flight after 6 weeks. 3. If your travel plans are an emergency then please make a follow up visit to your hospital and talk to your surgeon. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek