Dupuytren Contracture Repair
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about Dupuytren contracture repair?
Dupuytren contracture repair is surgery to divide or remove the thickened tissue in your hand. This will help you straighten your fingers and use your hand for daily activities.
How do I prepare for Dupuytren contracture repair?
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you.
What will happen during Dupuytren contracture repair?
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep during surgery. You may instead be given local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain. Your surgeon will make one or more incisions in your hand and finger. Part or all of the thickened tissue may be divided or removed.
- The thickened skin may, instead, be divided under the skin, without making a large incision. Sometimes a skin graft is needed to close the wound. A piece of healthy skin from another area of your body is removed and then attached to your hand. Any incisions will be closed with stitches and covered with a bandage.
What will happen after Dupuytren contracture repair?
You will have some pain, stiffness, and swelling after surgery. You may need to wear a splint to protect your hand.
What are the risks of Dupuytren contracture repair?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. You may have a raised or large scar. You may not be able to bend your fingers toward your palm. You may develop a hematoma (buildup of blood). Your hand may swell or your joints may become stiff. You may have nerve damage in your fingers or hand. Your thickened tissue and limited movement may return.
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