What is an aortobifemoral bypass?
An aortobifemoral bypass is surgery to redirect blood flow around blocked blood vessels in your belly or groin area. The surgery is done to increase blood flow to the legs. This may relieve symptoms such a leg pain, numbness, and cramping. You may be able to walk longer distances without leg pain.
The doctor will use a man-made blood vessel, called a graft, to bypass the blocked blood vessels. The graft will carry blood from the aorta to the femoral artery in the groin area of each thigh. The aorta is the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the blood vessels in the belly. The femoral arteries are large blood vessels that carry blood from the blood vessels in the belly to the legs.
The doctor will make a cut (incision) in your belly. He or she will also make an incision in the groin area of each upper thigh. The doctor will put the graft in your belly through the incisions. Then he or she will connect the graft to the aorta and the femoral arteries. After the graft is in place, the doctor will close the incisions in your skin with stitches or staples.
You will probably spend 4 to 7 days in the hospital. You will need to take it easy for at least 4 to 6 weeks at home.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Having surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect and how to safely prepare for surgery.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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