Your dermatologist may recommend having your skin cancer or melanoma surgically removed in a day surgery setting. Kingsway Dermatology and Aesthetics (KDAA) is associated with the collocated Ramsay Surgical Miranda Day Surgery, offering advanced facilities for effective and efficient care.
Benefits of Day Surgery
Access to Specialised Equipment and Facilities
- Advanced surgical tools for precise procedures, including large excisions requiring skin flaps or grafts.
- Comprehensive range of sutures tailored to the treated area, adhering to plastic surgery standards.
- A sterile environment that reduces infection risks compared to standard medical practices.
Availability of Anaesthesia Options
- Short and long-acting local anaesthetics and nerve blocks ensure comfort during surgery.
- Sedation or general anaesthesia is available for sensitive areas or extensive procedures.
- Anaesthesiologists or nurse anaesthetists monitor vital signs and manage pain effectively.
Higher Level of Care and Monitoring
- Highly trained healthcare professionals, including surgeons, nurses, and anaesthesiologists, ensure expert care.
- Continuous monitoring during the procedure enhances patient safety, especially for complex cases or those with medical conditions.
- Specialised precautions for patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, neural stimulators, or blood-thinning medications.
Efficient Workflow and Streamlined Processes
- Day surgery centres focus on surgical procedures, leading to shorter wait times and smoother workflows.
- Experienced staff provide a more predictable and comfortable experience for patients.
Handling of Complex Cases
- Better equipped to manage unexpected complications or extensive surgical interventions.
- Facilities for complex reconstructions and excisions for patients with intercurrent medical conditions.
What to Expect During Day Surgery
Pre-Surgery Consultation
- A detailed discussion of the type and location of skin cancer or melanoma.
- Explanation of the surgical plan, procedure, and post-operative care.
- Preoperative tests (e.g., blood tests, imaging) may be required, depending on your health.
- Precautions are taken for patients on blood thinners, with implanted medical devices, or requiring prophylactic antibiotics or antivirals.
Preparation on the Day of Surgery
- Admission by a registered nurse, including a review of medical history and clinical observations (blood pressure, pulse, temperature).
- Marking and preparation of the surgical site.
- Local anaesthesia is used for most procedures, meaning no fasting is required unless instructed otherwise.
- The surgical area is cleaned, sterilised, and draped to minimise infection risk.
The Surgical Procedure
- Excisional Surgery: Removal of the lesion and a margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are removed.
- Laser Surgery: Used for sensitive areas like the lips, enabling precise removal layer by layer.
- Procedures typically take 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on complexity.
Post-Surgery Wound Care
- Closure of the wound with stitches, staples, or skin glue.
- Larger wounds may require skin grafts or flaps.
- Instructions for home care include keeping the area clean, avoiding certain activities, and monitoring for infection.
Recovery and Follow-up
- Most patients go home the same day after a short recovery period.
- Pain, swelling, or bruising is manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess healing and review the pathology report.
- Additional surgery may be required if margins are not clear.
Monitoring and Long-Term Care
- Regular skin checks to monitor for recurrence or new skin cancers, especially for melanoma or aggressive cancers.
- Guidance on preventive measures, such as sun protection and self-examinations.
- Treatments to reduce the risk of future skin cancers may be recommended.
Day surgery for skin cancer or melanoma offers numerous benefits, including advanced facilities, specialised care, and efficient processes. The goal is to ensure complete cancer removal, minimise scarring, and provide the best possible outcomes with a focus on patient safety and comfort.
