Hand Surgery in Mumbai, India | Procedure & Preparation

Overview

Hand surgery is a procedure to treat conditions or impairment of the palm, fingers, wrist or forearm. Hand surgery can revive the loss of strength, function, and flexibility caused by congenital issues, trauma injuries, nerve damage or conditions such as arthritis.

Alternate Names

The name of hand surgery may vary depending on the objective of the procedure. These include ‘Reconstructive Hand Surgery,’ which aims to repair or restore function after injuries or congenital conditions. ‘Orthopaedic Hand Surgery’ helps to address problems with the bones, joints, and soft tissues, and in ‘Microsurgery,’ the surgeons use a microscope for delicate procedures like reattaching severed nerves or tendons. Other names include trauma hand surgery, which focuses on fixing fractures or accidents, and plastic hand surgery, which is frequently used for cosmetic or functional restoration.

Different Types of Hand Surgery

Skin Grafts

Skin grafts are performed by affixing or replacing skin to a skin-deficient area of the hand. The most common reasons for this operation are injuries or amputations of the fingertip. The donor site is a portion of healthy skin that is removed from another location of the body and affixed to the wounded area.

Skin Flaps

A skin flap is performed by removing skin from another area of the body, much like a skin transplant. However, the skin used in this surgery has its own blood supply. This is because the muscles, fat, and blood arteries are all present in the area of skin that is utilised. When there is a poor blood supply to a skinless area, flaps may be employed. This could be due to the extent of tissue injury, the location, or vascular damage.

Closed Reduction and Fixation

When a portion of the hand, including the fingers, has a fractured bone, this may be employed. After realigning the fractured bone (reduction), this kind of surgery fixes it in place while it heals. Fixtures like wires, rods, splints, and casts can be used for fixation.

Tendon Repair

The fibres that connect muscle to bone are called tendons. Because of the way the tendon is structured, tendon restoration is a challenging surgical procedure. Because of their restricted blood supply, tendon healing takes longer. Infection, trauma, or abrupt rupture can all result in tendon damage.

Nerve Repairs

Damage to the hand's nerves may result from an injury. Loss of hand function and hand sensation may result from this. Nerve damage can sometimes cure themselves. Others could need surgery. Surgery is often performed three to six weeks following the injury. Nerve repairs associated with other, more complicated injuries are best done at this time.

Fasciotomy

In order to help treat compartment syndrome, this operation is performed. A tiny area (compartment) in the body experiences swelling and elevated pressure, resulting in this ailment. This is frequently the result of an injury. This pressure has the potential to impair function by obstructing blood flow to the body's tissues. Muscle weakness and excruciating, worsening pain are two symptoms of compartment syndrome in the hand. It may eventually result in a change in the colour of the fingernails or nail beds.

Surgical Drainage or Debridement

Infections of the hands occur frequently. Rest, applying heat, elevating the hand, taking antibiotics, and surgery are some methods of treating hand infections. Surgical drainage may help eliminate any pus from a hand sore or abscess. Debridement may be performed if the wound or infection is severe. This involves clearing the wound of polluted and dead tissue. This promotes healing and stops an infection from getting worse.

Joint Replacement

Severe hand arthritis is treated with this kind of surgery, often known as an arthroplasty. It is accomplished by using an artificial joint to replace a joint that has been damaged by arthritis or trauma. Metal, silicone rubber, plastic, or your own bodily tissue, such a tendon, might be used to create this artificial joint.

Replantation

With this kind of surgery, a body part that has been totally cut or severed from the body—like a finger, hand, or toe—is reattached. Restoring as much function as feasible is the aim. The procedure used for replantation is microsurgery. This kind of intricate surgery is performed under a microscope's magnification and involves microscopic instruments. In certain extreme situations, multiple surgeries can be required.

Preparing for the Procedure

When it comes to preparing for a surgical procedure, there are important considerations to keep in mind to minimise the risk of complications and ensure good surgical outcomes.

Pre-Surgery

Restrictions on Food

Discuss the pre-surgical fasting period with your surgeon. Following these dietary guidelines is crucial since eating prior to the surgery can present significant health risks.

Adjustments to Medication

Take your prescription as prescribed, but just with a sip of water.
Consult with the surgical team about stopping any anti-inflammatory or blood thinners a week prior to the surgery.
Be transparent about your medical history and ongoing drugs with the surgical team.

Arriving Early for Surgery

Make sure you get to the hospital at least two hours prior to the time of your procedure. The day before your procedure, you will receive a call from your surgery coordinator with the precise time of your arrival. Being early guarantees an easy transition into the surgery room and the required preparation.

Post-Surgery

Plan in advance for a responsible friend or family member to accompany you to and from the hospital. It's crucial to remember that you won't be able to take a taxi or drive yourself home.

Risks of Hand Surgery

Bleeding and anaesthesia are hazards associated with most surgeries. The type of surgery being performed determines additional risks. They could consist of:

Infection
Incomplete healing
Loss of sensation or movement in hand or finger
Clots of blood
Stiff joints or a decreased range of motion

Why Choose Nanavati Max Hospital for Hand Surgery?

Nanavati Max Centre for Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine offers state-of-the-art treatment in the field of hand surgery for professional athletes, sports enthusiasts and the general public. Our internationally trained hand surgeons follow a multidisciplinary approach and work closely with a variety of disciplines, such as emergency medicine, orthopaedics, sports medicine, radiology, interventional radiology, pain management and physiotherapy. Our patient-centric treatment plans come with round-the-clock care for patients with the most complex conditions in a caring and sophisticated environment.

For accurate diagnosis and treatment, the hospital employs cutting-edge surgical equipment, guaranteeing the best outcomes with the shortest recovery period. Modern hand surgery protocols lessen tissue damage, which lessens discomfort and speeds up recovery. Patients are also given individualised rehabilitation programs that emphasise improving joint mobility and strength. Nanavati Max offers the greatest results for elbow arthroscopy patients because of its skilled staff and cutting-edge technologies.

Outlook

Most patients experience a vast improvement in mobility and hand function with pain alleviation after the surgery. Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the surgery, the type of injury or condition being treated, and the patient’s adherence to the post-surgical instructions, rehabilitation plan, and physical therapy. Advances in surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures and microsurgery, have led to quicker recoveries, reduced discomfort, and better outcomes. With proper post-surgery rehabilitation and physical therapy, patients often regain full or nearly full use of their hands. While complications can occur, such as infection or stiffness, these are usually manageable, and the overall prognosis for hand surgery is typically favourable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Hand Surgery?

Hand surgery involves procedures to treat injuries, deformities, or diseases affecting the hand, wrist, or forearm.

2. When Should I Consider Hand Surgery?

Consider surgery if non-surgical treatments fail to improve conditions like fractures, arthritis, tendon injuries, or nerve damage.

3. Is Hand Surgery Painful?

There may be some discomfort, but the pain is typically managed with anaesthesia and post-surgery medications.

4. How Long Is The Recovery After Hand Surgery?

Recovery can vary but usually takes a few weeks to several months, depending on the procedure's complexity.

5. Will I Regain Full Use of My Hand After Surgery?

Most patients regain full or nearly full function with proper rehabilitation and physical therapy.

6. What Types of Hand Surgeries are Common?

Common surgeries include fracture repair, tendon repair, carpal tunnel release, and reconstructive surgeries.

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