You have had a procedure to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). An AAA means that a weakened part of a large blood vessel in your belly (abdominal) area expanded like a balloon. During an endovascular repair, your doctor created two small cuts (incisions) near your groin. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) was threaded into the artery at the incision. A graft was placed inside the catheter and guided toward the damaged part of your aorta to prevent more problems.
Home care
While taking care of yourself at home:
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Don't do strenuous activity for 7 to 10 days after your surgery.
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Ask your doctor when you can expect to return to work.
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Slowly increase your activity. It may take some time for you to return to your normal activities.
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Don’t drive for 2 weeks after surgery, especially if you are still taking opioid pain medicines. Ask someone to take you to any appointments.
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Check your incision every day for signs of infection. These include swelling, redness, fluid leaking, or warmth.
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Keep your incision clean. Wash it gently with soap and water while you shower.
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Don’t take a bath, swim, or use a hot tub until your doctor says it's okay.
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Don’t lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for 4 weeks after surgery.
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Don't sit or stand for long periods without moving your legs and feet.
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Keep your feet propped up when you sit in a chair.
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Take your medicines exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.
When to call your doctor
Contact your doctor right away if you:
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Have redness, pain, swelling, or fluid leaking from your incision.
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Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.
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Have sudden coldness, pain, or paleness in your leg.
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Have a loss of feeling in your legs.
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Have severe or sudden stomach pain.
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Have an upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting.
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Have trouble breathing.
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Feel pain or heaviness in your chest or arms.
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Have any abnormal bleeding.
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Are unable to pee.
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Have bloody poop or bloody diarrhea.
Follow-up
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Make a follow-up appointment to have your incisions checked and staples removed within 7 to 10 days.
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Make follow-up appointments as advised.
