Preparing for Minor Surgery 2017

Preparing for a minor operation Information about your operation, your care whilst with us and what to expect when you arrive in hospital.

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You are having an operation to remove a lump/lesion This booklet has been designed to provide you with information about your operation. We would ask you to take some time to read it. More information will be given on the day by the team Minor Operations are done as a day case so you can go home the same day What do I need to do before I come for my operation?

Check your appointment letter to make sure you know what time your appointment is and where to go.

Please ensure that you have not used any hair products i.e. hairspray if you are having a procedure on your scalp.

Do I have a choice of what anaesthetic I can have for my Minor Operation?

The Minor Operations Department is only able to offer the surgery under local anaesthetic.

All minor procedures are carried out under a local anaesethic which will numb the area, which will be injected just under the area to be treated which may cause a short sharp sting. Please let the nurse know if you feel any discomfort during the procedure. Please also inform the staff if you have previously had problems with local anaesethic, for example at the dentist

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You may eat a light meal before you come in e.g. a sandwich and a non-alcoholic drink.

What will happen on the day of my operation?

On arrival at the unit, your nurse will greet you and prepare you for theatre . you will be asked about your current state of health and your regular medication. Please let the nurse know if you have any allergies.

The operation site will be marked.

Before you go into theatre you will be seen by the surgeon who will explain and discuss the procedure with you including any risks or possible complications for you to consider and answer any questions you may have. He will then ask you to give your consent to the procedure by giving you a consent form to read and sign. Please read the consent from carefully and feel free to ask the surgeon to clarifyanything you are not clear on or if you have any concerns

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What will happen during the surgery?

Will I need to take time off work after my surgery?

Once in theatre the area will be numbed with local anaesthetic

This depends on the nature of the operation.

Please discuss this with the surgeon on the day.

You will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and the operation will be carried out There will be music playing in the background to help you relax

What will happen after the surgery?

After the procedure your nurse will give you all the discharge information you need and offer you a drink. The nurse will inform you when you can leave.

Problems that can occur after surgery Inflammation: This presents as a slight redness around stitches and usually settles down when the stitches are removed.

Infection: Sometimes the treated area can become infected. This causes pain, swelling and redness or there maybe some pus present. If this happens you should contact your GP for antibiotics.

Bleeding/bruising: Continuous pressure for 10-15 minutes is usually enough to stop the bleeding.

Things to consider before having Minor surgery.

Patients rarely have problems following minor surgery and most are pleased with their result. Unfortunately all treatments or operations carry risks. Before your operation you will need to consider the severity of your problem against the likely risk and benefits from any proposed surgery.

Activity You will be required to rest after your operation. For at least 48hrs sometimes slightly longer depending how long the stitches need to stay in if you have them.

Warfarin INR will be checked on the day of surgery and the procedure should only be undertaken if your INR is under 2.9 or less If INR is 3.0 or more the procedure should not be undertaken and be posponed.

Known or Suspected Bleeding/ Blood clotting disorders Procedure should be undertaken at the clinician’s discretion and if the risk of excessive bleeding is considered to be very low or low.

Type 2 diabetics - please take your tablets as normal before your surgery.

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Rest You are strongly advised to rest after your surgery. Normally for 48hrs after your operation but the nurse discharge nurse will go through all that with you. If you don’t follow the instructions that the nurse has given you, then it will hinder your healing time.

Smoking Smoking has many adverse effects in relation to surgery including delays in wound healing and is associated with increased risk of thrombosis. It is recommended that you stop smoking for the duration of your recovery Delays wound healing Is associated with increased risk of thrombosis

If you need this leaflet in braille, audio, large print or another language, please contact our Customer Service Team on: 0300 303 9951 / 0300 303 9952 or by email at: provide.customerservices@nhs.net 4

Provide Corporate Offices 900 the Crescent Colchester Business Park Colchester Essex C04 9YQ

T: 0300 303 9999 F: 0300 003 2816 E: provide.enquiries@nhs.net www.provide.org.uk

PBO-2166-1722-01 ME-LE-015