Elective Hand Surgery in Perth

What is Dupuytren's Contracture Release?

This condition involves the abnormal thickening of fascia in the hand. It usually is not painful but causes the fingertips to be pulled down into the palm of the hand. This condition causes issues with the movement and functionality of the hand.

A surgical release of this contracture involves cutting out the scar tissue in the palm of your hand. Removing the scar tissue aims at restoring the range of motion and functions of your fingers/ hand.

What Can I Expect with Dupuytren's Contracture Release Surgery?

A Quick Overview

Surgery time: 1 hour

Length of stay in hospital: Day surgery

Recovery time: (The following are approximate times.) No washing dishes/ soaking hands until wounds healed (approximately 3 weeks).

Driving 1-2 weeks,

Office work 2-4 days,

Strenuous work/ exercise 6 weeks if the movement will affect this area of the body during healing.

Incision and scar: A ‘Z’ shaped incision on the palm of your hand. The size and exact location will depend on your condition.

Other Things to Consider

• This surgery is not suitable for all patients, and therefore a clinic appointment would be required to determine treatment options on an individual basis.

• Removing the scar tissue is only a treatment for the symptoms of this disease. It is not a treatment of the cause and therefore the scarring will return over time.

• You will be referred to a hand therapist after your surgery, to help you gain strength, provide exercises to prevent stiffness and create a splint to wear at night for up to 6 months.

• It is advised you use a silicone gel on your scars once the wounds have healed, to assist with scar treatment.

What is Carpal Tunnel Release?

The carpal tunnel is a small passage in the palm of the hand surrounded by bones and ligaments. The median nerve runs through this passage and helps control movement and sensation in parts of the hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve is compressed within this space. This can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hand and fingers.

To treat this condition, a small incision is made in the palm of the hand, and the carpal tunnel ligament trapping the nerve is cut. This helps release the nerve and may improve symptoms over time.

What Can I Expect with Carpal Tunnel Release?

A Quick Overview

Incision and scar: 5 cm vertical incision into the palm of your hand, close to the wrist.

Surgery time: 1 hour

Length of stay in hospital: Day surgery

Recovery time: The following are approximate times. No washing dishes/ soaking hands until wounds healed (approximately 3 weeks). Driving 2 days, office work 2-4 days and strenuous work/ exercise 6 weeks if the movement will affect this area of the body during healing.

What is Excision of Ganglion Cyst?

Ganglion cysts mostly commonly form on the hand, wrist, fingers and feet. They are caused by the lubricating fluid of the tendon creating a cyst. They can be painful and restrict movement.

For some patients, aspiration (draining the fluid) may relieve symptoms. In cases where the cyst persists or recurs, surgical excision may be considered as a treatment option.

What Can I Expect with the Excision of Ganglion Cyst?

A Quick Overview

Surgery time: 1 hour

Length of stay in hospital: Day surgery

Recovery time: The following are approximate times. No washing dishes/ soaking hands until wounds healed (approximately 3 weeks). Driving 2 days, office work 2-4 days and strenuous work/ exercise 6 weeks if the movement will affect this area of the body during healing.

Incision and scar: Small incision (usually 2-3cm at the location of the ganglion.

Other Things to Consider

• These cysts commonly re-develop again after excision.

• This surgery can be done under local anaesthetic