University Teaching Trust
Patient information for a
Curettage and
cautery
Dermatology Centre
Irving Building
0161 206 1856
© G16060912W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, All Rights Reserved 2016.
Document for issue as handout. Unique Identifier: CS 47 (16). Review date: November 2018.
What does a dermatological surgical
procedure involve?
You have been referred to the
Dermatology Theatre for Curettage and
Cautery. The information below aims to
answer some general queries about the
procedure.
What happens when I come for
treatment?
lYou will be treated in one of our
operating theatres by one of our
Consultant Dermatologists, Specialist
Trainees or Specialist Nurse. There
will also be two members of nursing
staff present to assist in the surgery.
Salford Royal is a Teaching Hospital,
occasionally there could be a student
nurse or student doctor present, if you
do not wish to have students present
please inform one of the nurses prior
to the operation
lAll our procedures are performed
under local anaesthetic, which numbs
the area we will be operating on. This
means that you will be awake during
the procedure
lThe local anaesthetic removes pain
sensation but you might be aware of
touch and pulling sensations
lThe numbness from the anaesthetic
will normally last for a couple of hours.
The time you will be in the department
depends on the type of procedure
being undertaken however most
procedures take between 15 and 45
minutes
lAfter the local anaesthetic has been
injected the lesion will be removed
by scraping (curettage) away the
abnormal tissue. The procedure
produces a deep graze wound
which usually will heal in 2-6 weeks
depending on the body site.
Will there be a scar?
lAll skin surgery will leave some from of
scar
lInitially, this could resemble a
superficial burn or deep graze but
eventually leaves a flat white scar,
although the type of scar often
depends on the procedure, your racial
background and the body site
lSometimes in areas, especially on the
upper back, shoulders and chest, scars
can become raised, thickened and
sore or itchy. These are known as
hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Will there be any pain?
lThis often depends on the operation
site but after most procedures there is
little pain
lLarge wounds or those in areas subject
to pressure (i.e. the foot) or where
there is a lot of movement (i.e. the
shoulder) can be more uncomfortable
lMost pain is controlled by simple
analgesia (pain relief).
lYou can eat and drink as normal
© G16060912W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust,
All Rights Reserved 2016. Document for issue as handout.
Unique Identifier: CS 47 (16). Review date: November 2018.
Medications
Will I be able to drive?
After effects of surgery
lYou will have a pressure dressing in
lAll skin surgery inevitably cuts small
place for 24 hours after your surgery
lIf your procedure is on the face this
may interfere with your vision or if
your operation is on the leg might
interfere with your ability to drive
lOperations around the eye and upper
cheek can cause swelling or bruising
of the eye which can also affect your
vision. In these circumstances you are
strongly advised not to drive.
nerve fibres and this can result in
numbness or pins and needles around
the operation site. This change in
sensation can last for a few weeks or
occasionally months
lOften wounds on the lower legs can
take some time to heal especially in
older people or people with poor
circulation
lWound infections are an uncommon
but recognised risk of skin surgery.
Wound infections should be treated as
soon as possible with antibiotics. Heat,
pain, redness and swelling around the
site 4-5 days after surgery could be a
sign of wound infection
lPlease contact your GP if you are
concerned that you could have a
wound infection
lThere may also be some bleeding after
surgery however, this is usually minor.
Please bring a copy of your most recent
prescription when attending your
operation.
Your medication should have been
discussed with you at consultation. If you are taking Aspirin, Clopidogrel,
Dipyridamole, Warfarin, Rivaroxaban,
Dabigatran or Apixaban these can
increase your risk of bleeding after
surgery however, unless instructed
otherwise by your doctor you should
continue to take your medication. You
should also make your doctor aware
if you take Propranolol, this is a drug
known as a beta-blocker which can be
used for high blood pressure, anxiety or
tremors.
Results
Your doctor will contact you by letter
regarding the results in approximately 6
weeks or you may be asked to come back
to clinic.
If you have any queries about your
surgery please contact the dermatology
theatre clerk on
0161 206 1856
[email protected]
or e-mail
© G16060912W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust,
All Rights Reserved 2016. Document for issue as handout.
Unique Identifier: CS 47 (16). Review date: November 2018.
© G16060912W. Design Services
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
All Rights Reserved 2016
This document MUST NOT be photocopied
University Teaching Trust
Information Leaflet Control Policy:
Unique Identifier: CS 47 (16)
Review Date: November 2018
For further information on this leaflet, it’s references
and sources used, please contact 0161 206 1856.
Copies of this information are available in other
languages and formats upon request.
In accordance with the Equality Act we will make
‘reasonable adjustments’ to enable individuals
with disabilities, to access this treatment / service.
If you need this interpreting please telephone
Email: [email protected]
Under the Human Tissue Act 2004,
consent will not be required from
living patients from whom tissue
has been taken for diagnosis or
testing to use any left over tissue
for the following purposes: clinical
audit, education or training relating
to human health, performance
assessment, public health monitoring
and quality assurance.
If you object to your tissue being used
for any of the above purposes, please
inform a member of staff immediately.
Salford Royal NHS
Foundation Trust
Stott Lane,
Salford,
Manchester,
M6 8HD
Telephone
0161 789 7373
www.srft.nhs.uk
Salford Royal
operates a
smoke-free
policy.
For advice on
stopping
smoking
contact
the Hospital
Specialist
Stop Smoking
Service on
0161 206 1779
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could be improved
in the future then
please visit:
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nhs.uk/for-patients