Bathroom surgery, as described in the reference, is any medical procedure involving puncturing the skin that an individual performs on themselves. This typically occurs at home, without professional medical supervision.
What Procedures Qualify as Bathroom Surgery?
Based on the provided reference, several common self-performed procedures fall under the umbrella of "bathroom surgery":
- Ingrown Nail Removal: Attempting to cut out or dig out an ingrown toenail.
- Wart Removal: Trying to cut, burn, or otherwise remove a wart.
- Corn Removal: Cutting or scraping off corns from the feet.
Risks and Complications
The primary risk associated with bathroom surgery is infection. As stated in the reference, a patient recently presented with a terrible infection after attempting to remove an ingrown nail themselves. This highlights how even seemingly simple procedures can result in severe complications when done in an unsanitary environment without proper technique.
| Risk | Details |
|---|---|
| Infection | Lack of sterile instruments and environments can cause infections. |
| Bleeding | Improper techniques can cause uncontrolled bleeding. |
| Scarring | Self-surgery can lead to scarring and disfigurement. |
| Nerve Damage | Inadvertent damage to nerves can cause pain and numbness. |
| Worsening of the Condition | Incorrect techniques may exacerbate the initial problem. |
Why Avoid Bathroom Surgery?
- Lack of Sterilization: Your bathroom is not a sterile environment like a doctor's office or surgical suite. This increases infection risk.
- Improper Technique: You may not have the training or tools to perform the procedure correctly, potentially causing more harm.
- Limited Pain Control: You likely won't have access to adequate pain relief, making the procedure more painful and difficult to endure.
- Difficulty Addressing Complications: If something goes wrong, you may not be able to manage the complication without medical assistance.
Alternatives to Bathroom Surgery
Instead of performing procedures yourself, seek professional medical care. Here are some alternatives:
- Podiatrist: A podiatrist can properly and safely address foot-related issues like ingrown nails, corns, and warts.
- Dermatologist: A dermatologist can address skin issues like warts, moles, and other growths.
- General Practitioner: Your primary doctor can often handle minor procedures or refer you to the appropriate specialist.
In summary, bathroom surgery is a self-performed procedure that involves puncturing the skin, which carries significant risks such as infections. It is always safer to seek professional medical attention.
