Biopsies and Excision Information

Before your Procedure
• Your lesion will be biopsied or removed under a local anaesthetic. The local anaesthetic numbs the area around the lesion allowing it to be biopsied or removed with limited discomfort.
• It is not necessary to go without food before your procedure, but if you think the procedure may make you feel queasy it may be better only to have a light meal before you come in.
• As with any surgical procedure there is a small chance of bleeding, infection and scar formation. Your GP will have already discussed these risks with you, but if you have any concerns or questions please ask the GP before the procedure begins.
• It is important that your GP is aware of all the medications you are taking including over the counter medications and natural supplements. Please be sure to inform your GP of this information.
• It is extremely important that you inform your GP of any allergies or sensitivities that you have to any medications, chemicals, lotions, dressings, latex or foodstuffs.

On the day of your procedure
• Please make sure you have showered on the day
• The skin specimen removed during a biopsy or excision is usually send to pathology for examination. Generally the results are returned to your GP within few days.
• The excision site may be closed with paper sutures (called Steristrips), bio-glue, or sewn together with nylon sutures. In some cases your GP may use two layers of sutures. The layer underneath will be absorbable and the layer on the surface may need to be removed 5-14 days later.
• Your wound will be covered with a protective dressing and your GP will discuss any specific information you need to know about caring for your wound following surgery.

After your Procedure
• The area around the excision will remain numb for a short time. Once the anaesthetic begins to wear off you may experience a gentle throbbing sensation. A mild pain killer, such as paracetamol, will help to reduce any discomfort.
• If you have stitches it is important to keep the wound site clean and dry. Some dressings are waterproof and should withstand the gentle spray from the shower. Check with your GP or nurse about what type of dressing you will have and how to care for it.
• After a few days the site may become itchy. It is important not to scratch.
• If the wound develops an increase in redness, swelling, pain or discharge, or you develop a fever contact the practice for advice 65731577 during 9-5 pm or if after hours contact Singleton District Hospital 6571 9222.

Removal of your Sutures
Your GP will inform you of when you should return to have your sutures removed by the practice nurse. An appointment of suture removal will be made on the day of your procedure.

Pathology Results
• If your skin lesion is sent to Pathology for examination, your GP should have the results back within a few days. If you have not heard from us within a week, call to check that the results have returned.
• Examination of the lesion by Pathology will indicate what the lesion is and whether all of it has been removed. If the results suggest that not all of the lesion was removed, a second procedure may be required. This is particularly important if the lesion is found to be cancerous.

Questions
If you are unsure about anything before, during or after your procedure, please feel free to ask your GP and or Nurse.