What is a femoral endarterectomy?

A femoral endarterectomy (say "FEM-uh-rull en-dar-tuh-REK-tuh-mee") is done to remove fatty buildup (plaque) from the femoral artery. This is a large blood vessel in the leg. When plaque builds up in the artery, it can make it hard for blood to flow in your leg. After surgery, blood may flow better in your leg. You may feel less leg pain. And you may have less numbness and cramping.

You may be asleep during the surgery. But it might be done while you are awake. If this is the case, you will get medicine to numb your leg and prevent pain.

The doctor will make a cut (incision) in your groin or upper thigh. The cut is made over the blocked part of the artery. The doctor will then make a cut in the artery and will take out the plaque.

Next, the doctor may sew a human-made patch over the cut in your artery. But sometimes a piece of blood vessel from another part of the leg is sewn over the cut. This will make the artery wider. It also helps keep it from getting narrow again. Then the doctor will close the cut in your skin. It will leave a scar. But the scar will fade with time.

You may spend at least 1 or 2 days in the hospital. You will need to take it easy for 1 to 4 weeks at home. It may take 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover.