Your Questions Answered What exactly is Minor Surgery? Surgical procedures that can be carried out under a local anaesthetic are considered minor surgery. Which procedures can be carried out under local anaesthetic? There is a range of excisions that can be carried out under local anaesthetic including: Sebaceous cysts Lipoma Small benign moles/naevi Bifid ear lobes Skin lesion for histology Intradermal naevi, papilloma, Dermatofibromas/histiocytomas Seborrhoeic warts/keratoses Removal of foreign bodies Unsightly scars There are also procedures that require the use of curettage, cautery and cryocautery, these are also carried out under local anaesthetic and include: Warts, verrucae, molluscum contagiosum and skin tags In some cases one of WellCare’s general practitioners or the practice/theatre nurse may be able to cauterise some warts, verrucae, molluscum contagiosum and skin tags. However, if any of these are on the face (skin tags around the eyes for example) then we would refer you to the WellCare surgeon who specialises in facial surgery. Where will the surgery take place Minor surgery procedures take place in the purpose built minor surgery theatre at the WellCare clinic in Monmouth Place Bath. Do I need a referral from my GP to come to WellCare for minor surgery? No, you do not require a referral from your GP although WellCare will write to your GP to advise him/her which procedure you have undergone. How do I make an appointment to see a surgeon? Please call us on 01225 312040 to arrange a consultation. What will happen at the assessment consultation? At the assessment consultation our surgical specialist nurse will take a relevant medical history, make an assessment of your condition and take a photograph of your lesion. If surgery is appropriate she will explain the procedure, the likely outcome and answer your questions.  Some minor surgical procedures can be carried out at this consultation by the nurse (or at a later date if you prefered).   If this is not appropriate the nurse will review your assessment with the surgeon and WellCare will then notify you of the outcome and advise you how best to proceed. If, when examining your lesion the nurse believes it may be malignant she will advise you to see a dermatologist who specialises in skin cancer. If you would like to bring a partner or friend with you to the consultation you would be welcome to do so. How much will the assessment consultation cost? There is a £50 fee for the assessment consultation. If you decide to proceed then the fee is deducted from the cost of surgery. You may book an assessment consultation with the surgeon at a cost of £130, however this fee is not deductable from the cost of surgery. When is the assessment consultation fee payable? The fee is payable at time of booking your the consultation. How much will the procedure cost? The cost will vary according to the complexity of the procedure and your surgeon will be able to advise you at the consultation. Generally you can expect to pay between £200 and £400 plus any histology costs which will be £160 for each specimen. What is histology? When a lesion is removed the surgeon will want to be able to reassure you that the lesion isn’t malignant (cancerous). A sample of the lesion will be sent to The Doctors Laboratory in London for examination. Histology is the microscopic examination of the specimen. Results are returned to WellCare within 2 weeks and we will contact you with your result. What happens if the sample is malignant? If the histology suggests the sample is malignant then your surgeon will discuss this with you and make recommendations. If you agree he will arrange for you to see a dermatologist who specialises in cancer. He will also write to your G.P. What happens when I attend for surgery? On arrival for your surgery you will be greeted by the WellCare receptionist. The nurse will then meet you and take you through to the consulting room. She will take your blood pressure and explain to you what will happen. She will, with your permission take a photograph of your skin lesion for your WellCare record, if not previously done.   If the surgeon is carrying out the procedure he will then meet you and go through your consent form. He will be able to answer any additional questions you may have and finalise your consent. If your procedure is being carried out by the nurse then she will answer anyquestions you have and take consent. Either the surgeon or nurse will then take you through to the theatre. Do I need to undress for surgery? It will not be necessary for you to wear a surgical gown. However, you will need to bring a pair of slippers to go into the theatre and if appropriate wear loose fitting clothes. How long will my operation take? Most procedures take about 30 minutes but you will be with us for 45 minutes to one hour. What happens after the operation? After your operation is completed either the surgeon or the nurse will go through your after care plan with you. He or she will also arrange for any follow-up consultation (such as for removal of sutures). When do I pay for the histology report? After your operation when we know how many specimens will be sent to the laboratory for histology. Should I bring someone with me when I attend for the operation? It is advisable to bring someone with you to drive you home if you are having an operation in an area which might affect the use of a leg or an arm or make sitting uncomfortable. If this isn’t possible then you should arrange for a taxi or some other form of transport. How do I make an appointment or speak to an advisor about Minor Surgery at WellCare? Simply call us on 01225 312040 between 9am and 4.45pm and one of our advisors will be pleased to talk with you about minor surgery procedures at WellCare.