MBBS BDSc FRACDS(OMS)
Dr Eileen Tan-Gore
Head and Neck Surgery
Facial Trauma
Maxillofacial Surgery
Temporomandibular Joint Surgery
Skin Cancer Surgery
Hunter Region NSW
Photo Credit Good Thanks Media
BIOPSY PATIENT INFO
Dr Tan-Gore will perform a biopsy under local anaesthetic at H+ Consulting Suites, Broadmeadow
LOCAL ANAESTHETIC:
Administered via an injection into the area to make it numb
The lesion will either be sampled (Incisional Biopsy) or removed completely (Excisional Biopsy)
The lesion will be sent for HISTOPATHOLOGY – this will determine what the lesion is and if the lesion has been completely removed
Occasionally, the lesion may need further excision if the margins are close or involved. This may be done under Local or General Anaesthesia
GENERAL ANAESTHESIA:
An Anaesthetist will give you a series of intravenous and inhaled anaesthetic so that you will be asleep during the procedure. This is performed in Hospital
Risks of Procedure
Bleeding:
Simple bleeding is managed with pressure. Complex bleeding may require further intervention
Infection:
Initially treated with oral or IV antibiotics. May require drainage if severe
Scarring:
Any surgery requiring a cut will cause scarring. This may require massage to reduce
Injury to surround structures:
If the lesion is close to an important anatomical structure, Dr Tan-Gore will inform you of this and of the specific risks:
Need for further surgery:
In the event of an incomplete excision. This may be done under Local or General Anaesthesia.
Post Operative Instructions
The Local Anaesthetic will wear off within 4-6 hours.
If you have a reaction to the Local Anaesthetic (rash, itching, difficulty breathing), please attend the Emergency Department at the John Hunter Hospital (Public) or the Lake Macquarie Private Hospital (Private) for assessment and management
Dr Tan-Gore advises that you start simple anaesthesia (Paracetamol) when you get home. Regular simple analgesia with Paracetamol and Ibuprofen will be sufficient for most cases
If the pain is not reduced with regular simple analgesia, please email: info@dreileentangore.com.au for further advice
If bleeding occurs, use the gauze provided to apply direct pressure for 30minutes
If bleeding continues, please email: info@dreileentangore.com.au. Dr Tan-Gore will get back to you as soon as she is able
For Intraoral Wounds:
No hot food or drink for 6 hours
No cold food or drink for 6 hours
Sutures are dissolving and should do so within 1-2 weeks. Occasionally, the sutures require removal by Dr Tan-Gore or your General Practitioner
For Skin Wounds:
Keep dry for 72 hours. After this, you can wash the area gently and dry thoroughly
Do not immerse the area underwater for 2 weeks
Protect the area from the sun with a chemical barrier (sunscreen, zinc) or a physical barrier (hat, dressing)
Do not cover the wound after the initial period – doing so can cause moisture underneath a dressing which can lead to poor wound healing and infection
After your review with Dr Tan-Gore, she will advise massage to improve the appearance of the scar
If you have any questions, please email: info@dreileentangore.com.au and Dr Tan-Gore will respond when she is able.