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