Advice for patients after minor surgery with local anaesthetic

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

This leaflet is for patients who have had minor surgery with a local anaesthetic. It gives advice on what you should do when you get home, and contact information for if you have any problems relating to your procedure.

What is local anaesthetic?

Local anaesthetic numbs the area to be operated on and is given by injection. You will be fully awake during your treatment. You should not feel any pain during the procedure although you may feel vibration and pressure. Most people are not bothered by this.

What should I do when I get home?

• The operated area will remain numb from the local anaesthetic for about two to three hours. When it wears off, you can take a painkiller such as paracetamol (always read the label; do not exceed the recommended dose).
• It is common for there to be a small amount of blood oozing from the wound, in the first 24 hours after surgery. If the bleeding becomes heavy, apply gentle pressure over the dressing for five minutes to stop the bleeding. If after five minutes it is still bleeding, please contact one of the helpline numbers.
• There may be bruising, redness and swelling around the wound which will subside within a few days.
• You may have a small dressing over the wound. You will need to keep this clean.
• Nursing staff in the Day Surgery Unit will give you any specific instructions about your wound before you go home.
• If you have stitches, we will either give you an appointment to have them taken out at hospital or ask you to visit the practice nurse at your GP surgery.
• If you need to see your consultant for a follow-up visit, we will give you an appointment for this.

Helpline numbers

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet, please speak to a member of staff or contact:

Emergency Surgical Hub on 01384 456111 ext. 1886 (7.30am to 8pm, Monday to Friday) or

Pre-operative Assessment Unit on 01384 456111 ext. 1849 (7am to 7.30pm, Monday to Friday)

Out of these hours, urgent queries: contact Surgical Assessment Unit on 01384 456111 ext. 3359.

Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number: 01384 456111

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet, please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

Originator: T.Trevis/A.Larkin Date reviewed: January 2026 Next review due: January 2029  Version: 6 DGH ref: DGH/PIL/00620