MINOR PROCEDURES

Dr. Ahmed will perform minor procedures. These again will be done in a hospital/operating theatre suite.

Circumcision:

this procedure involves the excision/removal of the foreskin. It can be done for medical/religious/personal reasons. This procedure is a day procedure and is done in hospital under a general anaesthetic. For babies it is recommended to wait at least 6 months before having a general anaesthetic. Sometimes adults will need the procedure if they have trouble with foreskin mobility (pulling it back and forth).

Risks:
1. bleeding – and a return back to the operating theatre. there are usually multiple small veins that need to be tied off. Its important before you leave hospital that there is no significant bleeding ; and usually Dr Ahmed will assess you before you go home.
2. Infection – this is rare; but the wound may become infected and some patients may require antibiotics.

Lipoma:
Lipomas are fatty lumps generally found just underneath the skin ( subcutaneous tissue). these lumps can be multiple and can grow with time. It is rare for these lumps to become cancerous. Again a lipoma can be removed ; and this is a day procedure done in a hospital.

Risks:
1. infection of the wound : depending on the location and size of the wound; infection can occur. This is usually treated with antibiotics and assessment. Large lipomas ( e.g. plum sized and beyond) have a large risk of infection/swelling.
2. swelling/pain. Large lipomas may result in the cavity becoming swollen with inflammatory fluid. This is quite normal but if in the neck – can cause discomfort and limitations in movement.
3. recurrence – if the lipoma is not completely removed ; and a small amount remains (cells) this can cause a lipoma to grow back with time.

Ingrown toe nails:
This is an issue for children/adolescents/young adults. It occurs where the side of the toe nail has a jagged edge which burrows into the toe and causes irritation/infection and pain. It can occur from trauma (sports- soccer/football etc); cutting the toe nails too short; and can recur following previous procedures.
Most ingrown toe nails need a wedge resection of the toe nail. Usually best done under a general anaesthetic and in hospital. This is a day procedure. A dressing will be applied and this is then removed in 24-48hrs after the procedure. Its important to soak the foot (which has been operated on) in salty water for 10 mins twice a day for 1-2 weeks. You must wear open footwear – thongs; and no closed shoes. You may need 1-2 weeks away from school/work.

Risks
1. infection – rare but underlying infection of the bone can occur (osteomyletis)
2. recurrence of the ingrown toe nail. Usually a repeat procedure maybe required or a more aggressive approach maybe used – Zadek’s procedure. It might be helpful to be seen by a podiatrist.

Skin lesions:
Simple sebaceous cysts/ abscesses/skin lesions will require surgical excision if indicated. this is ally a day procedure.

Lymph node removal:
This maybe required if a lymph node is enlarged and tissue diagnosis is required. this is commonly performed by removing the lypmph node from the groin or armpit and is ally a day procedure. Risks involve infection, bleeding and lymph leak.