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Information for patients with Dupuytren's Disease.

Edited By: Thomas Trumble, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005

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Diagnosis and evaluation

How much pain do patients usually have after palmar fasciectomy for dupuytren's disease and what medications are used to manage it?

Postoperative pain is usually manageable with oral (by mouth) medications. Usually, patients will be given a prescription for a pain medication to take once they are discharged home. Narcotic medications are usually only required for the first few postoperative days. It is preferable to discontinue narcotic use and to take over the counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen once these medications provide sufficient pain relief. If patients are taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen as well as a narcotic medication it is important to know if the narcotic pill also contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen — otherwise patients may inadvertently take too much of one of these medications.

What are the most frequent and most serious side effects of taking pain medication after palmar fasciectomy for dupuytren's disease?

Most patients receive a prescription for a narcotic pain medication to take after surgery. There are several side effects to narcotic medications. These include, but are not limited to: rash, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, itchiness, constipation and serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Patients cannot drive or operate machinery while taking narcotic medication. It is important for patients to inform their doctor if they have an allergy to narcotic medications. In general, narcotics should only be used for the first few days after surgery, and only when needed.

After palmar fasciectomy for dupuytren's disease, what happens in the hospital and when is the patient usually discharged?

Usually, the patient is placed in a soft dressing and a splint after the operation, and referred to a hand therapist shortly after surgery. Patients are usually discharged home on the same day as their operation, unless there are other complicating medical factors (eg. heart or lung disease) that require a period of observation in the hospital.

What type of help do patients need after palmar fasciectomy for dupuytren's disease and for how long? Can they go home or do they require a convalescent facility?

Patients can usually go home on the same day as their operation. Depending on their living situation most patients are able to function at home with the use of their non-operated hand. In the case of surgery on both hands, patients may require some additional help at home.

Surgery for Dupuytren's Disease at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4537 to make an appointment.

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