Hand Surgery in India by Dr. Satya Saraswat
Hand surgery is mostly performed to restore hand and finger functions. Sometimes it might also be performed to make the appearance of the hand as normal as possible. Till a few decades ago, Hand Trauma and its surgery were completely neglected due to lack of knowledge. Hand Surgery needs a team approach & special skillset, and therefore, dealing with Tendon, Trauma to Bone, Blood and Nerves vessels was an unheard territory.
Dr Satya Saraswat performs Hand Surgery for the below cases:
- Hand tendon injury: Tendons are fibres that attach bone to muscle. The restoration of tendons is a challenge surgically, due to its construction. Tendon injuries can occur due to trauma, spontaneous rupture, or injury. In primary repairs, direct surgical correction is performed, and secondary repairs might comprise tendon grafts which include implanting tendons from several parts of the body in place of the damaged one.
- Microsurgery (for finger deformities): Replanting a single finger or multiple fingers is often performed through a surgical procedure. In the case of amputation of multiple fingers, one or more fingers can be replanted in a manner that it will allow proper functioning of the hand. Replantation surgery is often followed by rehabilitative physiotherapy for hand.
- Nerve Repairs: An injury can harm the nerves in the hand, leading to a loss of the function and sensation of the hand. Certain injuries of the nerves may heal by themselvesand others might need surgery. Normally, surgery is performed almost six weeks after the injury. If the nerve is cut or damaged, it can be secured by attaching it to the nerve on the other end or by nerve grafting. The procedure encompasses substituting the damaged one with nerves from other healthy body parts.
- Surgical drainage or Debridement: Treatment for hand infections normally includes rest, using heat, keeping it in an elevated position, surgery, and antibiotics. If there is an abscess or soreness, surgical drainage might assist in helping to remove any pus. In case the infection or wound is found to be severe, debridement may be utilised to clean the soiled tissue from the wound.
Hand Surgery: Post Op care
- Most patients report swelling after hand surgery. It subsides after the first week of surgery.
- Application of an ice pack is advised to reduce swelling.
- Try keeping your hand in an elevated position as much as possible for at least three days from surgery.
- Numbness in the hand or a burning sensation is also reported in many cases. If it persists please speak to your doctor about it.
- Consult your doctor before taking any medications for pain.
- Regular follow-ups and x-rays might be required as part of post-operative care.
