Please contact a member of nursing staff at the appropriate day unit if you wish to discuss your operation before your admission to hospital. (Contact numbers can be found at the end of this leaflet)
The Procedure
The surgeon has advised you to have your skin lesion or lump removed. Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the size of the lesion, this procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic (local anaesthetic injected directly around the affected area) or general anaesthetic (when you are asleep).
The surgeon locates the lesion and makes an incision into the skin. He removes the lesion and then stitches the skin back together.
Before your operation
If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will have a pre-screening appointment to assess your suitability for day surgery, before you are given a date for your operation. At this appointment the nurse will take details of your:
- medical history
- current medication
- home care arrangements after you have been discharged from hospital.
Please use this opportunity to ask any questions about your surgery and after-care. Where possible, the nurse will arrange a mutually convenient date for your surgery.
S/he will also give you instructions about preparing for your operation, which will include advice about:
- having a bath or shower before you come to the hospital
- eating and drinking
- taking your normal medication, if appropriate
- returning to work after surgery.
On the day of surgery
You should have a bath or shower before you come to hospital.
If you wear contact lenses, you will need to remove them prior to your operation. Please bring your spectacles or an extra pair of contact lenses with you.
It is important that you remove any rings, bracelets or watch if the hand or arm is to be operated on. These may be replaced after the swelling goes down (usually after about five days).
On admission to the unit you will be greeted by a nurse who will check that your details are correct. The surgeon and the anaesthetist (if you are having a general anaesthetic) will talk to you and you will be invited to ask any questions you may have.
If appropriate, your operation site will normally be marked. See the following website for details:
https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/day-case-surgery/
A member of staff will escort you, as you walk to the operating theatre.
Following your operation
You will be transferred to the ward area where nurses will continue to monitor your condition. If you feel any discomfort, please inform the nurse looking after you, so that pain relief can be given.
As long as you do not feel sick (after a general anaesthetic) you will be encouraged to have something to eat or drink, prior to going home.
After about 1-2 hours, if the nurse feels you are sufficiently recovered, you may be
discharged home.
Care at home
You may be prescribed painkillers to take home with you. Please take only as directed on the packaging.
As necessary, the nurse will advise you about:
- arrangements for removal of stitches
- reduction or removal of the wound dressing
- arrangements you need to make with your own Practice Nurse.
The stitches in your wound should be dissolvable. Some patients have SteristripsTM (small strips of adhesive tape) rather than stitches in their wounds. Remove dressing after 48 hours then leave uncovered.
Do not have a bath or submerge in water for two weeks. Depending on the area of your lesion removal, you may be able to shower. We will advise you of this on discharge.
If you have had a general anaesthetic, you should gradually build up to normal daily activities and should be ready to return to work a couple of days after your surgery. If you are unsure, your G.P. will advise you on this matter.
You may drive when you feel you can safely perform an emergency stop. This will not be for the first 48 hours following your surgery. Please check that your insurance policy does not prohibit you from driving for a longer period, following general anaesthetic or surgery.
The lesion will be sent for analysis in the laboratory. You may be given an outpatient appointment to discuss the results with the surgeon and you will be advised about this prior to your discharge from the Day Unit.
Complications
Minor
- slight oozing of blood from operation site
- infection at the operation site
Please contact your GP, if you develop:
- a temperature
- fresh bleeding or bruising
- redness or swelling at the operation site
- pus or drainage from the operation site
- prolonged or severe pain.
If you have any problems or cause for concern please contact
Your General Practitioner
The relevant Day Unit:
David Beevers Day Unit,
St James’s University Hospital (Monday 8am to Saturday 12noon inclusive):
Wharfedale General Hospital Day Unit: