Fasciectomy (say "fash-ee-EK-tuh-mee") is surgery to cut out a layer of tissue called the fascia (say "FASH-ee-uh") that lies deep under the skin. In Dupuytren's (say "doo-pwee-TRAHNZ") contracture, the fascia of the palm of the hand becomes thick and tight. This causes the fingers to become stiff and to curl toward the palm. Removing the fascia can help relax the fingers.
This surgery may be done while you are asleep or while you are awake. If you are awake, you will get medicine to numb your hand and prevent pain. You may also get medicine to help you relax.
The doctor will make a cut, called an incision, in the skin of your palm. The thickened fascia will be removed. The doctor will close the incision in your palm with stitches. After surgery, you will have a scar on your palm and on one or more fingers. This will fade with time.
You will go home on the same day as the surgery. It will probably take about 6 weeks for your hand to heal. How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you can do your job without using your hand, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if your job requires you to do repeated finger or hand movements, put pressure on your hand, or lift things, you may need to take 6 to 12 weeks off work.
For the first few weeks after surgery, you will probably need to wear a splint. You may need to do hand exercises to help reduce the swelling and stiffness. After several weeks, your hand and fingers may be more flexible. You may be better able to fully open your hand.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Fasciectomy (say "fash-ee-EK-tuh-mee") is surgery to cut out a layer of tissue called the fascia (say "FASH-ee-uh") that lies deep under the skin. In Dupuytren's (say "duh-pwee-TRAHNZ") contracture, the fascia of the palm of the hand becomes thick and tight. This causes the fingers to become stiff and to curl toward the palm. Removing the fascia can help relax the fingers.
Your hand and fingers may be swollen for the first few days. Most people need pain medicine for about a week after surgery. You may feel numbness or tingling near the cut, called an incision, that the doctor made. This feeling will probably start to get better in a few days, but it may take several months to go away. Your doctor will take out your stitches about 2 weeks after your surgery.
How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you can do your job without using the hand, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if your job requires you to do repeated finger movements, put pressure on your hand, or lift things, you may need to take 6 to 12 weeks off work. Your doctor can help you decide how much time you will need to take off work.
An important part of recovery is hand therapy. Work with your physical or occupational therapist and practice hand exercises at home to help your fingers become more flexible. Hand therapy may also help prevent future problems. Most people need to do hand therapy for several months. You also may need to wear a hand splint for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.
After surgery and hand therapy, your hand and fingers should be more flexible. Many people get better without any problems. But it's possible that the fascia may become thick and tight again. Even if this problem comes back, it's usually not severe enough that another surgery is needed.
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