Simple procedures safely done in a family medicine clinic
Some problems need a bit more than tablets or creams, but do not necessarily require a hospital or large procedure room. At Kenneth Tan Medical Clinic, we provide a limited range of simple, office-based procedures that can be safely done in a GP setting, especially for common ear, nose and small wound issues.
We are not a surgical centre and do not perform complex minor surgeries that require a full procedural team or extensive equipment. For those, we will assess you and, if needed, refer you to an appropriate specialist or emergency department.
What we can usually do in the clinic
1. Earwax removal (aural toilet)
Impacted earwax can cause blocked ears, reduced hearing, discomfort, itch or ringing. We offer:
- Examination of the ear canal and eardrum
- Advice on softening drops where appropriate
- Aural toilet (earwax removal) using suitable techniques in the clinic, where it is safe to do so
If the wax is very hard, the canal is narrow, there is infection, or you have a history of ear surgery or eardrum perforation, we may recommend a more cautious approach or refer you to an ENT specialist.
2. Removal of simple foreign bodies from ear and nose
Children and adults occasionally get small objects lodged in the ear or nose (e.g. beads, bits of tissue, insects). Where it is safe and feasible, we can:
- Examine the area to confirm the presence and position of the foreign body
- Attempt careful removal using appropriate instruments in the clinic
If the object is not safely removable in a GP setting (for example smooth round objects tightly wedged in the nose, sharp items, batteries, or cases where the patient is very distressed or uncooperative), we will stop and arrange prompt referral to an ENT or emergency department rather than risk injury.
3. Small wound care and tissue glue
For small, clean, superficial wounds, we can:
- Assess the wound and overall injury
- Clean and dress the wound
- Use medical tissue glue for suitable superficial cuts, especially in areas where suturing may not be necessary
We will also advise on tetanus vaccination status and pain control, and arrange follow-up to monitor healing where appropriate.
Deeper, contaminated, complex or larger wounds – especially those involving joints, tendons, eyes, significant tissue loss or heavy bleeding – are best managed in an Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or surgical unit. In such cases, we will provide initial first aid and refer you on urgently.
What we do not routinely perform
To avoid confusion, it is helpful to be clear about what is outside our usual procedural scope. At this time, we do not routinely:
- Perform formal excisions of lipomas, sebaceous cysts and other deeper lumps
- Carry out complex mole excisions or biopsies
- Do incision and drainage of large or deep abscesses
- Perform ingrown toenail avulsion procedures
- Provide full “toilet and suture” services for larger or complex lacerations
If, after assessment, we feel that one of these procedures is needed, we will discuss the options with you and refer you to a suitable clinic, day surgery centre, ENT/dermatology/surgical service or A&E as appropriate.
What to expect at your visit
When you come in for a minor procedure–related issue, we will:
Assess the problem first
We take a brief history and examine the area to decide whether the issue can be managed safely in the clinic or whether referral is safer.Explain your options
We will discuss whether in-clinic treatment is appropriate, outline what the procedure involves, and explain any limitations or reasons to refer.Proceed with the procedure if suitable
For earwax removal, minor foreign body removal or small wound care suitable for tissue glue or dressings, we will proceed in the clinic setting and explain what you may feel during the procedure.Give clear aftercare advice
You will receive guidance on what to expect over the next few days, how to care for the area, warning signs that should prompt earlier review, and when to come back.
When to go straight to A&E
You should go directly to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or call 995 if:
- Bleeding is heavy or cannot be controlled with pressure
- There is a severe or deep wound, especially near the eye, neck, chest or abdomen
- There is a suspected fracture, dislocation or major injury
- A child has inserted a button battery into the nose or ear (this is an emergency)
- There is sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, facial weakness or other alarming symptoms
If you are unsure, you can call our clinic during opening hours and we will advise whether it is appropriate to come to us first or to proceed directly to A&E.
Book a consultation
If you have blocked ears from wax, a possible foreign body in the ear or nose, or a small wound that may benefit from tissue glue or dressing, we are happy to assess you and advise on the safest next step.
You can book an appointment online or call us to speak with our staff.
When booking, you can let our team know that your visit is for ear care, foreign body removal or wound care, so we can allocate appropriate time.