Dupuytren's contracture
Discussion
I have the above (I'm not going to type it again!) in my left hand, which is being operated on in February. I've opted for the needle fasciectomy with a local anaesthetic. I was wondering if anyone has experience of this op and an estimated recovery time. Any info would be much appreciated. Cheers.
Hi maccboy,
If you're having a needle fasciotomy with a local anaesthetic to the palm, then the procedure lasts less than half an hour. It's uncomfortable as you can feel the needle being sawed around to cut cords. No ill effects and you can feel the loosening immediately, and use your hand as normal. Unfortunately this procedure is usually only a temporary solution, and the cord growth returns.
If you're having a hand fasciectomy, then that's a much more serious operation, and depending on the clinic and surgeon, may be done under general anaesthetic, or a regional block, whereby your arm from the shoulder down is numbed. The op can take 1 to 3 hours, with recovery afterwards in the clinic, and you'll be out the same day. The wounds are deep, and are stitched and dressed, with a resin cast placed over to protect. You won't be able to drive safely for a while. Expect a revisit to the clinic within the week to assess the healing of the wounds, and redressing, then the week after. You'll also need to clean and redress the wounds as they heal. Likely 2 revisits required over the next month or so, depending on seriousness of the surgery, plus a visit to the splint dept to get a support to keep the fingers straight.
Dependent on thoroughness of surgery, benefits can last 5 to 10 years.
If you're having a needle fasciotomy with a local anaesthetic to the palm, then the procedure lasts less than half an hour. It's uncomfortable as you can feel the needle being sawed around to cut cords. No ill effects and you can feel the loosening immediately, and use your hand as normal. Unfortunately this procedure is usually only a temporary solution, and the cord growth returns.
If you're having a hand fasciectomy, then that's a much more serious operation, and depending on the clinic and surgeon, may be done under general anaesthetic, or a regional block, whereby your arm from the shoulder down is numbed. The op can take 1 to 3 hours, with recovery afterwards in the clinic, and you'll be out the same day. The wounds are deep, and are stitched and dressed, with a resin cast placed over to protect. You won't be able to drive safely for a while. Expect a revisit to the clinic within the week to assess the healing of the wounds, and redressing, then the week after. You'll also need to clean and redress the wounds as they heal. Likely 2 revisits required over the next month or so, depending on seriousness of the surgery, plus a visit to the splint dept to get a support to keep the fingers straight.
Dependent on thoroughness of surgery, benefits can last 5 to 10 years.
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