What to expect during surgery: 

Dr. Holt will meet you on the day of surgery and review the plan. You will then be taken back to the operating room where your hand will be cleaned and draped in preparation for surgery.  Dupuytren's contracture release surgery can very significantly depending on the extent of contracture and number of digits affected. Generally, surgery is performed with local anesthesia injected around planned incisions often augmented with light sedation provided by an anesthesiologist. Incisions may be small for isolated, minor contracture but often are quite extensive for more complex contracture.

Pain Control:

Start with simple, but effective pain relief strategies such as ice and elevation. Especially for the first 2 - 3 days, attempt to keep your hand above your heart as much as possible. This will significantly limit pain and swelling.  Next, try over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen. Most patients tolerate these medications well. Take them food, and make sure to check your allergies and/or other medications and medical issues to ensure it is safe to take them.  Dr. Holt will provide a small prescription of narcotics if needed. Take them as directed and only as needed.

Dressing/Bandage:

Keep your dressing on until follow up unless otherwise instructed. Depending on the complexity, extensive contracture at times some of the operated digits will be immobilized. Other times only a soft dressing will be used. Focus on moving the digits that are not immobilized to avoid stiffness.

Activity:

You may use your hands immediately for light activities of daily living such as feeding yourself, dressing, and using a phone and/or computer. If you have been placed in a splint then these digits will be immobile but you can use your other digits for light activities.

Additional Information:

After surgery, you should expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness. Focus on elevation to avoid swelling and additional stiffness. Depending on the complexity and extent of your surgery you may need occupational/hand therapy postoperatively.

Follow-Up:

Your follow up appointment is generally 10 – 14 days after your surgery and should be in your discharge packet on the day of surgery.