Minor Procedures
Minor procedures tests consent, asepsis, local anaesthesia, suturing, incision and drainage, joint injection, cryotherapy, biopsy and complication management. The exam expects a clear indication, safe technique, documented aftercare and recognition of when to refer.
Core rules
- Confirm identity, indication, allergies, anticoagulants, consent and capacity; use a procedural checklist and universal precautions.
- Maintain asepsis, sterile gloves and sharps safety; position the patient and use adequate lighting.
- Calculate maximum local anaesthetic dose by weight; avoid adrenaline in digits or end arteries unless the formulation and technique are appropriate.
- For abscess drainage, incise over the point of maximum fluctuance, drain pus, pack if needed and review.
- Send specimens when infection or malignancy is possible; give wound-care and warning-sign advice.
Worked example
A 40-year-old has a fluctuant forearm abscess. Confirm no allergy, mark the site, infiltrate local anaesthetic around the margin, incise and drain, pack the cavity, and arrange review. Reasoning: drainage is definitive; antibiotics alone are insufficient for a collection.
Traps
Operating without consent; injecting into infected tissue; exceeding local anaesthetic limits; incomplete drainage; and failing to document consent, technique or follow-up.