Dupuytren's Contracture Excision
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- This operation is usually done on a day case basis under a general anaesthetic.
- You will have to fast for six hours prior to surgery. Any regular oral medication can be taken with enough water to swallow it. You should not chew gum whilst you are fasting before your operation.
- Immediately after surgery you should have very little pain as the hand will be infiltrated with local anaesthetic that lasts approximately 8 to 12 hours.
- Start taking painkillers that would have been prescribed as soon as any discomfort is felt in the hand, as the local anaesthetic effect can wear off very suddenly.
- The hand will have a bulky bandage covering the surgical wound. If you wish, this bulky bandage can be removed after two days.
- You can use the fingers of the affected hand to undertake manual tasks but you should avoid getting the wound wet until the stitches have been removed.
- Some bruising and swelling may develop around the wound, which is normal. The bruising may track up the arm, which is again normal.
- There might be excessive bleeding from the wound, particularly if you are taking any form of blood-thinning agents such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication. This might increase the risk of infection developing. The hand dressing may also become malodorous particularly in warm weather.
- If you have had a general anaesthetic, you may feel more tired than usual for about 48 hours after surgery. You may also feel sick, dizzy or faint, have a headache or sore throat. Very occasionally patients can feel nauseated up to 24 hours after an operation under general anaesthetic.
WHAT TO DO:
- Mr Jacobs would advise you to take regular painkillers at home after the effect of the local anaesthetic has worn off.
- After the general anaesthetic you may eat and drink normally if you feel like doing so. Do not worry if you do not feel hungry. If you vomit or feel sick then continue with bed rest and drink clear fluids only.
- The dressing of the wound on the hand should be kept clean and dry and left in place until you are seen one week after surgery. Under no circumstances should wet dressings be left applied to the wound for any length of time.
- You will be sent an appointment for follow up, with removal of the bulky dressing and wound check one week after your surgery. Your will then be referred to physiotherapy. Removal of your stitches will be done usually two weeks after the operation.
- Your return to work depends on the type of work you do. If this is sedentary or office-based work then you can return to work as soon as you are able to use your hand for everyday activities, before or after the stitches are removed. If this is heavy manual work then you will not be able to work for at least two weeks and after this will require a period of light manual work whilst the wound settles down and becomes less sensitive. This may take up to 6 weeks.
- Mr Jacobs would advise that you can drive your car as soon as the pain has settled in the hand such that you can grip the steering wheel. If in doubt, ring either his secretary or contact your General Practitioner.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT PROBLEMS:
- If the hand becomes very painful, swollen, throbbing or inflamed; the wound could be infected and you should seek advice from the ward at Highfield Hospital with regards to this.
- The area immediately around the wound may feel numb for a few days. If the numbness extends up into the forearm, or if you cannot move your fingers then seek help immediately.
- If anything else unexpected occurs please seek help.
- If you are worried in any way with regards to the surgical wound, please contact either Highfield Hospital (01706 655 121), my secretary (0161 448 2928) or your General Practitioner. You can also use my email address: pennineshoulder@aol.com.
