Minor Surgery

A Vasectomy is a form of male contraception to prevent pregnancy. It involves a small operation, where the tubes (called vas deferens) in the groin are clamped, cut, or sealed. This stops the release of sperm during ejaculation, and does not have any other physical impacts. Although in some cases it is a reversible surgery, this should be viewed as a permanent procedure.

The operation is quick, usually taking approximately 30 minutes, and is usually performed under local anaesthetic. This is a service that we offer at our practice, with Dr John Aiken conducting the operation. Dr Aiken specialises in the modern, ‘no-scalpel’ vasectomy, that he has carried out frequently over the last ten years.

Recovery from a vasectomy varies from individual to individual. Dr Aiken completes these procedures on Fridays, and men can normally expect to return to work on Monday. Most men experience three days of mild discomfort, with only a very small number of men experiencing severe side effects. 

If you are interested in considering a vasectomy, call us at reception, and we can book you in for an informative consultation with Dr John Aiken to discuss this and any other possibilities, to make sure this decision is right for you.

Mirena is a reliable, reversible birth control system. It’s a T-shaped intrauterine system (IUS) which, after insertion, releases the hormone levonorgestrel into the womb. Besides protecting you from pregnancy, Mirena makes your periods lighter and shorter.

It is more effective than copper intrauterine devices (IUD’s) or oral contraceptives like the pill. In the treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding, it causes reduction within three months after insertion and some users don’t menstruate at all.

Mirena offers protection against pregnancy for five years, after which the IUS has to be removed. Mirena can be removed at any time by your GP at Dee Street Medical Centre. Removal is usually quick and painless.

There are some cases in which Mirena should not be used. Your doctor will discuss this and all other options with you, which enables you to make a decision on contraception that is right for you.

Jadelle is an effective, reversible contraceptive that prevents pregnancy for up to five years. Two thin, flexible rods containing a hormone are inserted just under the skin of your upper arm. Your doctor will consult with you to discuss whether Jadelle is right for you.

A Punch Biopsy is a procedure done to help diagnose a small skin condition such as skin cancers or rashes. They can also be done as Excision Biopsies when a lesion is small enough to be completely removed by the instrument.

The process of the Punch Biopsy is to take a small, round bladed instrument, a bit like an apple corer. We remove a small piece of the lesion, usually between 3mm and 8mm.

This procedure is done under a local anaesthetic, just like at the dentist, which is injected around the piece that is being removed. This can sting a little but will not last long. You may feel a little pressure during the removal but should not feel pain.

The wound is then closed with either stiches or steri-strips, depending on the location and size of the removal. In the case of stitches being used, you will then need an appointment with the nurse 7-10 days post procedure to remove your stitches.

Steroid Injection, also known as Cortisone Injection, are used for joint problems and arthritis. These can help settle pain and improve movement in inflamed joints, tendons, and soft tissues. Your doctor may recommend this as a treatment method after seeing them for a consult. You will then book an additional appointment to have this administered.

Cryotherapy is a quick and easy way to remove many skin blemishes or lesions such as early skin cancers or warts. Skin blemishes must be seen by your GP prior to treatment to assess is cryotherapy is the best option for removal. Once you have been seen for your initial cryotherapy treatment, you will be able to book future appointments with the nurses, unless advised otherwise by your GP.

If you have a skin tag that you are wanting to have removed, you will need to book in for a consultation with your GP. They will then assess the skin tag and advise what the best course of action will be, which may be cryotherapy.