Vascular surgery is an area of surgical expertise where the diseases of the vascular system, or arteries and veins, are handled by medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction. The objective of vascular surgery is to treat the vascular diseases, which are diseases of the arteries and veins. Arterial diseases are those conditions where blood clots, arteriosclerosis, and other vascular conditions occur in the arteries while, venous diseases include problems which occur in the veins. There are a few vascular conditions which occur only in the arteries while, a few occur only in the veins, and few involve both the vein and the arteries.

Role of a Vascular Surgeon

Vascular surgery is performed by a vascular surgeon who is an expert in the diagnosis and management of diseases involving all the parts of the vascular system excluding heart and brain. These surgeons help in regaining the blood flow to an area of the body after trauma, disease or any other reason for damaging the blood vessels.
Diagnosis

The patient should be clinically evaluated by a vascular surgeon, a detailed history should be taken and physical examination should be done. The vascular diseases can be treated by a vascular surgeon even through non-operative modes which comprise of drug therapy and risk factor management.

Indications For Vascular Surgery

There are several numbers of common procedures and indications for vascular surgeons. Some of them are as follows –
•    Abdominal aortic aneurysm
•    Varicose veins
•    Carotid stenosis
•    Acute limb ischaemia
•    Aortic dissection
•    Peripheral arterial occlusive disease
•    Phlebitis
•    Venous stasis disease
•    Deep vein thrombosis  
•    Claudication
•    Blood clots
•    Carotid endarterectomy
•    Endovascular grafting
•    Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
•    Renal artery aneurysm
•    Lower extremity amputation

Risks

There are a few complications or risks associated with vascular surgery. Some of such risks are infection at the site incision; bleeding; failed or blocked grafts; heart attack or stroke; etc.  

Recovery Time

The duration of time in intensive care and hospitalization after vascular surgery varies with every surgery, and also the recovery time, which is based on several factors. Generally the patient is likely to stay in intensive care for 24 hours, and in the hospital for about 5 to 10 days. In case of occurrence of complications, the duration of hospital stay may increase.

Success Rate

There are several factors which are dependent for the success of vascular surgery. These factors are those which may influence the choice on whether to go for the vascular surgery or not.