Patient Information - Lipomas
Lipomas
Patient information leaflet
Surgery and Critical Care
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
Kent
DA2 8DA
01322 428100
Author: Martin Warnette, Matron
Title: Lipomas
Information accurate at time of going to print.
About your operation
Lipomas are soft fatty lumps that can be found in many areas of the body, but are most common on the back, shoulders, neck and thighs. They are extremely common affecting both men and women. They are usually removed if they are either large, interfering with other structures such as nerves, are uncomfortable or for cosmetic reasons. The procedure may be performed under either a general or local anaesthetic, depending upon the lump location in the body, the size and patient/surgeon preference.
What should I do before my operation?
Now your Consultant has agreed with you to undergo this procedure it is important to follow the advice on your admission letter and that given by the Pre-Admission Assessment Nurse and the booklet you have been provided with.
You should refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol for 48 hours prior to your operation. Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do to improve your surgical outcomes and future health. Darent Valley and Queen Mary Hospitals are smoke free sites. If you are experiencing nicotine withdrawal symptoms whilst in our care, please ask staff about nicotine replacement therapy to keep you comfortable, and a referral to your local NHS stop smoking service.
Please follow the pre-operative fasting instructions given by the pre-admission nurse specifically for day surgical procedures to aid recovery.
What is a Local anaesthetic?
It may be that your operation is possible to be performed whilst you are awake. Injections of local anaesthetic and painkillers will be given around the operation site to numb the area. This may last for 2-4 hours. Please ask you nurse for the anaesthetic leaflet.
After a general anaesthetic, what arrangements do I need to make?
Even though you may feel quite normal, there is a period following a general anaesthetic or sedation in which your judgement, performance and reaction are impaired. Therefore, it is important that a friend or relative must collect you from the hospital. Unless identified prior to admission as someone who is suitable to be at home alone, you must have someone to stay with you for the next 24 hours. If you are unable to provide a suitable carer, your operation may be postponed or cancelled.
You must not drive yourself home, or travel by public transport. You may use a taxi with your escort. Due to the effects, you should not drink alcohol, drive a car, ride a bicycle, operate machinery, use electrical equipment, sign legal documents or do anything particularly dangerous for 24 hours. Smoking may cause dizziness and is discouraged.
What do I need to bring in with me to hospital on the day of my operation?
Dressing gown and slippers and if you have any suitable comfortable trousers, i.e. tracksuit or jogging trousers and something to read. Remove as much jewellery as possible and leave it at home. Please do not bring large amounts of money or debit/credit cards into hospital. The Trust is not responsible for valuables. For health and safety, reasons please remove any false nails, nail varnish and make up.
Relatives, Friends and Carers
We request that all visitors leave the unit once the patient has been dropped off, unless there is a specific clinical or mental health need which needs to be identified to the nurses. The reason for this is that we promote single sex accommodation for all of our patients.
Pain Relief and side effects
Please follow the pain relief advice leaflet given by your pre- assessment nurse. During your anaesthetic, you will be given pain-relieving medicines and anti-sickness medication. After your operation, your nurse will give you more pain relief medication as necessary. Do not let your pain build up and please tell the nurse if you are experiencing pain. Please ensure you have a stock of your usual painkillers at home.
If you are feeling nausea, please let the nurse looking after you know. They can then provide you with further medication to help with this.
You may feel some discomfort and swelling after your operation. This is normal and will reduce over the next few days.
What do I need to do after the operation?
All tissue removed from the body during the operation is automatically sent to the laboratory to be analysed. The results will be sent to your GP in about 2-3 weeks.
Wound Management
Any stitches (sutures) will usually be absorbable and will not need to be removed. If you have sutures which need removing, you will be advised to see your GP/Practice Nurse usually between 5-7 days for their removal and also for a wound check.
If any areas become red, inflamed, swollen or painful, please see your GP as soon as possible, as there is a possibility of an infection. Keep the area clean, covered and dry for a few days or as advised by your nurse.
How long will I need time off work?
This will depend upon your occupation and area of your wound. This should not usually be for more than 5 days so a medical certification is not generally issued. If appropriate the surgeon will give you one prior to discharge.
Who do I contact if I have any problems?
If you are anxious about your condition, do not be afraid to ask for advice, however small your worry may seem. If you feel unwell, this could be the anaesthetic affecting you and your GP will be able to help you. If it is problems with circulation, “pins and needles” sensation, numbness, cold, colour changes, swelling or bleeding please contact either:
- If you were a patient at Darent Valley Hospital , please telephone 01322 428100 and ask for the ward you was discharged from.
- If you were a patient at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, please telephone 0208 302 2678 Telephone your G.P. or Practice Nurse
- Telephone 111
We hope your stay with us was pleasant, but if are dissatisfied with any aspect of your care, please contact the Ward Manager.
This leaflet has been developed in partnership with the Patient Information Group and our DGT Patient Partners
Patient Information
Further patient leaflets are available from the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust website: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-leaflets Please ask a member of staff if you require information in another language or format.
Complaints, Comments, Concerns and Compliments
Please speak to the staff in the ward or department caring for you if you have any concerns or questions relating to your care or that of a loved one.
Compliments can be shared by visiting: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/contact-us/compliments
Alternatively, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01322 428382 Email: dgn-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Patient Property
Please do not bring large sums of money or valuable items into the hospital. Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage to personal property unless it is handed into Trust staff for safe-keeping.
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust operate smoke-free hospitals. This means that smoking is not permitted anywhere on hospital grounds. For help to quit smoking please visit www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/one-you-smokefree/
Use of alcohol or illicit drugs is not permitted anywhere on the hospital site. For drug and alcohol support please speak to your nurse or doctor or
Visit: www.changegrowlive.org/westkent/help
Call: 0330 128 1113
Reference Number:
First published: Last Reviewed: Next review date:
June 2022 July 2024 July 2026