Dr Davy
Mboweni

Lacerations, cuts and open wounds require careful cleaning, assessment and closure to prevent infection and promote proper healing. Dr Mboweni assesses wound depth and contamination, irrigates thoroughly, and closes the wound using appropriate sutures, staples or wound closure strips. Tetanus prophylaxis is administered where indicated. Dressing advice and follow-up for suture removal are provided. Infected or complex wounds are debrided and managed with appropriate antibiotic cover.

Benign skin lesions including cysts, lipomas, warts, skin tags, moles and sebaceous cysts can be safely removed under local anaesthesia in the practice. Dr Mboweni first assesses whether a lesion requires histological analysis. Suspicious or potentially malignant lesions are excised with appropriate margins and sent for pathology. The procedure involves a small incision, removal of the lesion, and neat closure with sutures. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the following day.

An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and is one of the most important diagnostic tools in general practice. Dr Mboweni uses a 12-lead ECG to assess patients presenting with chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or syncope. The ECG can detect irregular heart rhythms, evidence of a previous or current heart attack, chamber enlargement, and conduction abnormalities. Results are interpreted immediately and findings discussed with the patient, with urgent referral to cardiology when required.

Spirometry measures how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly air can be exhaled. It is the primary diagnostic and monitoring tool for asthma and COPD. During the test, the patient breathes into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. Dr Mboweni assesses FEV1 and FVC results to classify disease severity, guide treatment decisions and monitor response to bronchodilator therapy. Spirometry is also used in occupational health assessments and pre-operative evaluations.

Corticosteroid injections into joints or soft tissues provide effective relief for inflammatory conditions such as shoulder bursitis, tennis elbow, knee osteoarthritis, trigger finger and plantar fasciitis. Dr Mboweni uses careful anatomical landmark technique to inject a combination of a corticosteroid and local anaesthetic directly into the affected area. Relief is often experienced within 48-72 hours and can last several weeks to months. Injections are offered as part of a broader management plan that may include physiotherapy and lifestyle modification.

Excessive earwax buildup can cause hearing loss, ear fullness, tinnitus and pain. Ear syringing is a safe and effective method of removing impacted wax. Patients are usually asked to soften the wax with olive oil drops for 3-5 days beforehand. Dr Mboweni uses a low-pressure irrigation syringe with warm water to flush the ear canal. The procedure is painless in most cases and provides immediate relief. Ear syringing is not suitable for patients with a perforated eardrum or a history of ear surgery, in which case microsuction is recommended.

Cauterisation uses heat or chemical agents to destroy abnormal tissue or control bleeding. Dr Mboweni uses cauterisation for the treatment of small warts, skin tags, spider veins, minor vascular lesions and to achieve haemostasis during minor surgical procedures. Chemical cauterisation uses silver nitrate applied topically. Electrocauterisation uses a fine electrical current. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic where necessary. A small scab forms over the treated area and falls off within 1-2 weeks as healing progresses.

A skin abscess is a painful collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics alone are often insufficient - the abscess must be drained to allow healing. Under local anaesthetic, Dr Mboweni makes a small incision into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain completely. The cavity is irrigated and in some cases loosely packed with gauze to continue draining. A short course of antibiotics is prescribed where indicated. Most patients experience immediate pain relief. Follow-up is arranged to ensure complete resolution and assess for underlying causes.

Nebulisation delivers bronchodilator medication directly into the lungs via a fine mist. It is used acutely for asthma attacks, COPD exacerbations, acute bronchitis and severe allergic reactions affecting the airway. The practice nebuliser delivers salbutamol, ipratropium bromide or a combination depending on the clinical picture. Oxygen saturation is monitored throughout. Most patients show significant improvement in breathing within 15-20 minutes. Response to treatment guides the need for hospital admission or further management.

Intravenous therapy delivers fluids, electrolytes and medications directly into the bloodstream for rapid effect. At Northlife Med, IV therapy is used for dehydration due to gastroenteritis or vomiting, acute migraine management, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, antibiotic administration for serious infections, and vitamin infusions. Dr Mboweni cannulates a peripheral vein and selects the appropriate IV fluid or medication based on the clinical assessment. Patients are monitored throughout and discharged once stable with oral maintenance therapy and follow-up instructions.