Dr Tan-Gore will excise the lesion with an appropriate margin under General Anaesthetic

 

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

 

Whilst you are asleep, she will mark the lesion and inject a long-acting Local Anaesthetic

 

LOCAL ANAESTHETIC:

Administered via an injection into the area to make it numb

 

The lesion will be sent for HISTOPATHOLOGY – this will determine what the lesion is and if the lesion has been completely removed

 

Depending on the location and the size of the lesion, it may be closed primarily (sutures) or require a graft

 

Occasionally, the lesion may need further excision if the margins are close or involved. This will require further surgery under Local or General Anaesthetic

 

 

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 8 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.  A script will be provided if stronger analgesia is required.

 

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

 

For Skin Grafts:

Keep the dressing dry until your review

Avoid direct sun exposure

 

If you have any questions, please email: info@dreileentangore.com.au and Dr Tan-Gore will respond when she is able.