Minor Surgery

Minor surgery service is provided after prior assessment of the patient.

Minor surgery is a relatively painless and fairly quick procedure. It generally takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Most procedures are carried out using local anaesthetic. This is an injection given around the site of the operation (similar to that used by Dentists).

If you have had a bad reaction to local anaesthetic in the past it is very important that you inform us.

The local anaesthetic stings a little initially but this quickly stops. You should not be able to feel any pain during the procedure but may be aware of a sensation of pressure.

If you do feel any pain during the procedure please inform the Doctor immediately.

Most of the minor surgery carried out here involves the removal of lumps and bumps.

Once the lump has been removed the skin will be closed using a few stitches, these will have to be removed at a time specified by the Doctor (usually 1 week).

All specimens removed are sent to the laboratory for examination.

The local anaesthetic lasts approximately 2 hours. The wound may therefore start to become painful after this period of time. We recommend that you take some simple pain relief medication such as Paracetamol once you get home.

Care of the wound

The wound will be dressed by the Nurse after the operation; this dressing should be left in place for 24 hours, or longer if specified by the Doctor or Nurse.

It is important to keep the wound clean and dry. If the stitches become wet they are liable to come out and may get infected.

The wound will be painful for 24-48 hours. If the pain is not improving after 48 hours please call in to see the Nurse. Likewise, if the wound becomes very red or starts to discharge pus, please call in as soon as possible to see the Nurse.

Do not wait until you are due to have your stitches removed.

Scarring

All minor surgery will leave some degree of scarring. The degree of this will vary from person to person and cannot be predicted.

If you have any concerns about scarring it is very important that you discuss this with the Doctor before you have your minor operation.

If you have any questions or worries about the procedure please ask the Doctor or Nurse.

Minor Surgery Consent - form
Minor Surgery  -  leaflet