Endovascular coiling at London Hospital

[cheesefan]

Hi, I am new to this forum. My GP has referred me for surgery at National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London for endovascular coiling for an aneurysm. Has anyone been treated there and can give me any feedback and also feeling very apprehensive about the procedure, so any thoughts on that would be welcome too. Many thanks.

[Lynnie1975]

Hi, Cheesefan!

I have not been treated at that particular location but I did have endovascular coiling on two ruptured basilar aneurysms in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1996 (when I had just turned 21 and coiling was very new - I was only the 23rd person to have it in Germany - and they were still working on the fine points of the procedure).

The aneurysms that were coiled unfortunately recurred (I, 'luckily', found out after having a totally unrelated 'funny turn' in September 2018 which led me to being referred to the Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh, to get the status of my Aneurysms (x3, two ruptured, one not) checked as I'd not had a follow up in 23 years).

I underwent endovascular coiling again last year, this time with an added stent to keep the coils in their place, and I can re-assure you that the treatment technology has come a LONG way in that time. I spoke to the specialist nurse in Edinburgh before my initial appointment, who was VERY good at allaying my fears. Coiling is minimally invasive and I was discharged the very next day and driving again within a week.

(I had my third aneurysm clipped as coiling wasn't an option in 1997 for that particiular aneurysm and that was a much riskier surgery as it involved a craniotomy).

I am awaiting a one year follow-up angiogram from my most recent coiling (delayed because of Covid) but if they were to tell me that I needed further coiling carried out, I would have no qualms about having it done again (though I am hoping this is not necessary).

If you're still feeling apprehensive after your appointment, they should give you a contact on the ward for you to call and I would advise you to do this as they can help talk you through the procedure and calm your fears.

Hope this helps? (but feel free to ask me anything else about my very positive coiling experiences)

[cheesefan in reply to Lynnie1975]

Thank you so much for such a reassuring reply. I had read that coiling was less invasive than clipping but find it difficult to imagine how they reach my brain from going in through my groin! Having had it explained to me that the risk of stroke from leaving my aneurysm untreated outweighs the risk of stroke from the procedure, I am now more accepting of the treatment protocol. As my aneurysm has a wide neck, there is talk of a stent being needed too so I assume that is done at the same time, not two separate ops? I was very encouraged to read that you were driving within a week - as I have elderly relatives to care for and am hoping to have a smooth recovery. Any tips on things to do before or after the op that might be of help?

Thanks again for your reply.

[Lynnie1975 in reply to cheesefan]

I'm glad I could put your mind at rest! One of mine was a wide necked aneurysm and thats why i had the stent fitted at the same time as the repeat coiling. They didn't have stenting when I had my initial rupture and coiling and thats possibly why it recurred? There's a small risk of stroke with the procedure, whereas you have a higher risk of stroke or worse if it ruptures ( bear in mind that aneurysms are relatively common but just because you have one, it doesnt mean it will necessarily rupture).

If you do have a stent fitted, you'll be on blood thinners and aspirin for a while ( I was on clopidogrel for three months) then you'll probably be on low dose aspirin for life (that's what I am on) but you'll be guided by your consultant. It's a small price to pay for not having to worry.

I live in Aberdeen now so I had to go down to Edinburgh the day before the procedure as they gave me high doses of Clopidogrel and Aspirin before the day. I had to stay in the ward that night because I was first on the list the next day. I would just try not to worry (easier said than done, I know). The Interventional Radiologists carrying out your coiling (and stenting?) will be highly specialised and will be doing these procedures daily, I'm sure. Once it is done, you can relax knowing that your aneurysm has been treated and far less likely to rupture (which is a scary event).

Afterwards, you might have quite a sore head but I was given codeine and morphine while in the High Dependency Unit and they'll keep an eye on you. You should get painkillers to take home too. If you suffer from Ocular Migraines (which I do) you may find they increase. I had a couple in the days following the procedure but haven't noticed any change in mine. Take any help you need from the department too. They are there for you.

I hope everything goes well for you! When is your op scheduled?

😊😊😊

[Phantom12]

Coiling is fine. You will be asleep.

It’s better than clipping. Did not attend your hospital mine was in Nottingham

You will be fine

[cheesefan in reply to Phantom12]

Thanks Phantom12, your reply and Lynnie

[cheesefan in reply to Phantom12]

Sorry, typo! that should have said thanks so much for taking the trouble to reassure me. Your reply and that of Lynnie has helped a lot.

[burtongal in reply to Phantom12]

hi hun , i had both clipping then coiling at nottingham how did you find there aftercare , may i ask how your recovery went after your coiling xx