DCCS Derm and Minor Surgery/Vasectomy Clinic NHS

DCCS Derm and Minor Surgery/Vasectomy Clinic NHS A community service Commissioned with NHS Cambridgeshire PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

WOUND CARE ADVICE FOLLOWING MINOR SURGERY (BIOPSY/EXCISION)

FOR THE FIRST 48 HOURS

 Leave the dressing in place and keep the wound dry.  If the dressing gets wet, pat area dry with a clean towel and apply a new dressing.

AFTER 48 HOURS

 Remove the dressing and wash the wound on a daily basis to keep it clean and remove any loose scab or crusting. You can bathe/shower but do not soak the wound for a long period.  You may leave the wound uncovered at this stage unless the stitches are catching on clothing or there is still a small discharge from the wound.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE WOUND IS PAINFUL?

 The local anaesthetic will probably last for 2 – 3 hours following the procedure.  If after surgery you experience mild pain or discomfort, this is usually relieved by taking Paracetamol.  For a few days, the wound may feel tender due to bruising or minor swelling around the surgical area. This will improve over the following days. If it is not improving, or is getting worse such as painful, red, discharging pus, the wound will need to be checked at your GP Surgery.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE WOUND STARTS TO BLEED?

 It is normal to see a small amount of blood or leakage on the dressing.  If the dressing becomes soaked with blood, sit down, press on the wound firmly for 10 to 20 minutes.  If the bleeding cannot be stopped, then please contact your on call doctor or go to A&E.

EXERCISE

 Excessive physical activity may cause the wound to open up, therefore should be avoided (special care should be taken if the minor surgery is on the back).  Avoid undue strain on the wound while the stitches are in place and for 2 weeks after stitch removal.

RESULTS

 Samples are sent to the laboratory.  The Doctor will write to you at your home address and a copy will go to your GP when the results are back from the lab.  The results will take around 4 weeks (sometimes longer if NHS pathology services are overburdened)

You have had Minor Surgery today (DATE) …………………………………………………………………………

You have …………………………….. stitches in your wound.

The stitches need to be removed in …………………………………… days. PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE STITCHES REMOVED AT YOUR OWN SURGERY AND TAKE THIS PAPERWORK WITH YOU TO SHOW YOUR NURSE