Overview of Minor Surgery and Aftercare
Minor surgery involves surgical procedures that are typically performed without the need for general anesthesia or respiratory support. These procedures are commonly done in a general practitioner’s office or a similar outpatient setting.
What Does Minor Surgery Include?
Minor surgery includes a variety of procedures that do not require general anesthesia. Examples of these procedures are:
- Removal of skin tags and cysts
- Wart treatment
- Incision and drainage of abscesses
- Mole removal
- Biopsies of abnormal growths
- Verruca treatment
- Joint injections
These procedures are generally carried out on an outpatient basis. Before the surgery, a consultation with your doctor will be conducted to discuss your diagnosis, outline the surgical plan, and ensure you provide informed consent for the procedure.
Pain and Discomfort During Minor Surgery
The primary discomfort you may experience during minor surgery comes from the injection of a local anesthetic, which is used to numb the surgical area. The length of the procedure varies based on the condition being treated, typically lasting from 10 minutes to an hour. Your doctor will inform you if additional visits are necessary for follow-up care.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
After a minor surgical procedure, it is normal to feel some discomfort or slight faintness. It’s a good idea to arrange for someone to accompany you home if you feel lightheaded. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical site to ensure it remains clean and free from infection.
You may be prescribed pain relievers to manage any discomfort and antibiotics to prevent infection. A follow-up appointment will be arranged to check on your recovery, and if stitches were used, they will need to be removed during a subsequent visit.
In some cases, tissue samples may be sent for histological analysis, and your doctor will discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment.