Dupuytren's disease

In mild stages, it is useful to adopt a watchful waiting approach. Treatment is initiated only in case of discomfort due to nodules and cords in the hand (palm).

A measured contracture (range of motion limitation) of approximately 40 degrees is the threshold for initiating surgery.

Quitting smoking is essential, as it accelerates the disease and its recurrence. Splints or infiltrations have no lasting effect.

In this technique, the physician punctures the most severely affected cords during an appointment under local anaesthetic, allowing the patient to extend the finger again. The nodules are not removed.

The advantage of this procedure is that is low-invasive and low-risk. The treatment ensures little scarring and a very quick recovery. The treatment can be repeated, if necessary, to maintain stretching.

The disadvantage is that the cord is not removed, so recurrence occurs more quickly compared to a surgical treatment. 60% of patients experience a recurrence of 20 degrees of movement limitation after three years, rising to 85% after five years.

In rare cases, the treatment can cause a tear in a small area of skin. A minor nerve injury of the finger may occur in 3% of cases.

In this technique, the surgeon removes entire cords and the abnormal tissue with the aid of a microscope. This procedure is characterised by a 'zigzag' incision that runs along the natural folds in the hand.

A small area of skin is left open in the palm of the hand. This allows blood from any post-operative bleeding to drain away, reducing swelling in the hand after the procedure.

After surgery, you will wear a cast until the first consultation, so that the finger is kept in a stretched position.

This procedure has good results, but it also requires appropriate aftercare following the surgery.

On the day of your admission, come to the hospital at the appointed hour having fasted and sign in with your identity card via one of the e-kiosks in the atrium (entrance hall).

You get a ticket via the e-kiosk with a tracking number on it that is shown on the digital screens in the waiting area. A staff member will complete your file and you will receive an identity bracelet with your last name, first name and date of birth. After that, your admission will continue through the OR reception lounge.

You will be prepped for surgery in the operating facilities. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic. The anaesthetist will visit you to administer this. Feel free to ask any further questions you may have about the anaesthesia or the procedure.

After the procedure, you will be taken to our pleasant recovery lounge. The nurse will checks your vital parameters while you rest and recover from the surgery. This procedure promotes a quick and smooth discharge, allowing you to leave the hospital easily.

There is no definitive cure. Often, the cords will return. This usually happens after a few years.

For the first few weeks after the procedure, the fingers will be a little stiffer. That is why it is so important to do intensive physical therapy.

For the first few days after the procedure, keep your hand elevated to prevent your fingers from swelling. Moving your fingers also helps reduce this swelling. You can also ice your fingers for 20-minute periods. Anti-inflammatories help reduce the swelling, but should only be taken on the advice of your attending physician.

A scar on the hand becomes softer after about four months. Be patient. After the wound heals, you can massage the scar to loosen it up. Moisturising creams or a silicone covering (Mepitac tape) may also be useful. Always protect the scar from sun exposure.

A compression bandage or cast may be applied to prevent excessive swelling. If the above advice does not help, you can loosen the elastic bandage or remove the hand bandage. The elastic bandage in an open cast can also be loosened.

The post-operative hand bandage will absorb any potential bleeding. Elevating the hand and applying ice can also help. Anti-inflammatory medication is possible, but it must be taken in consultation with your physician.

This complication occurs very rarely, but it occurs more frequently in smokers and diabetics. Contact your physician or the A&E in case of sharply increasing pain, fever (>38.5°C), a festering wound or increasing and spreading redness.

Very rarely, a temporary loss of sensation in the fingers may occur.