Trigger Finger Release
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- This operation is usually done on a day case basis.
- If you are having your operation under local anaesthesia then you will not have to fast pre-operatively. Alternatively, if you have decided to undergo the surgery under general anaesthetic then 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 operation will have been done under local anaesthetic, which should give you pain relief for approximately 8 to 12 hours. If the operation has been carried out under general anaesthetic pain relief will again be provided by infiltration with local anaesthetic lasting 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.
- It is important to 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.
- 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 for approximately 24 hours after the effect of the local anaesthetic has worn off.
- If you have had a 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 for 48 hours. After 48 hours you may remove the dressing in order to shower or bath. After this you should gently blow dry the wound and cover with a dry dressing. 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 and removal of your stitches. This is 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 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.
