Post Operative Instructions
Summary:
| Wound | Keep dry for 2 days then wash hand in shower and apply Bandaids daily |
| Scar care | When the sutures have been removed and the wound has healed massage the scars with Sorbolene |
| Return to work: (Clerical) | As pain permits ( approx. < 1 Week) |
| Return to work: (Manual) | 2 – 6 weeks |
| Driving: | As pain permits . You must be able to turn the wheel in an emergency to save yourself or someone else. |
| Gym / Non Contact sport | As pain permits. 1 - 3 weeks |
| Swimming | When wound completely healed ( >10 days) |
| Hand Therapy | Rarely required – Only If scar sensitivity or limited range of motion |
| Please note that everyone responds to surgery differently. | |
| Return to work may vary greatly depending on the particular requirements of a job. | |
| Return to driving and work is slower if you have operations on both hands at once. | |
| Return for review | If a problem |
1. Operation Report.
You will receive a copy of the operation report at the time of surgery.
There are specific instructions at the bottom of the report.
Follow-up details are on the outside of the envelope provided.
2. Dry skin:
The skin of the hand and forearm may be dry after the operation because the antiseptic used to prepare your hand contains alcohol.
Apply Sorbolene cream to your hand around the dressings immediately post op and to the rest of the hand after a few days.
It is not uncommon for the skin of the hand and forearm to peel after about seven days.
3. Wash the hand and remove any dry blood.
Then dry the hand and apply Bandaids. These can be changed daily.
4. At your post operative visit:
- Your wound will be reviewed and the sutures are removed.
5. Steristrips:
- Often steristrips are applied to the wound.
Don’t pull the steristrips off (they assist in holding your wound together).
Let them fall off.
They can stay on for a few days to add extra support to the wound.
6. - Usually Coban bandage is applied to the wrist.
It can be used for a few days for additional support.
It can come off for showers.
7. Keep the hand dry for 24 hrs after the sutures are removed.
You can then get the hand wet in a shower.
Avoid baths and pools for another few days.
8. Please note that everyone is different and Recovery periods are extremely variable.
9. If your symptoms of numbness were only present at night then most people notice resolution of their symptoms immediately post operation.
10. If the numbness was constant then the sensation may never fully recover or may recover over a period of 9 -12 months.
11. Pillar Pain: The major problem with the surgery is persistent weakness or aching pain in the base of the hand that may take about 3 months to settle down. (Pillar pain).
12. About 10% of people notice some permanent weakness or pain in the hand following the operation.
13. Dry skin: Now the sutures have been removed apply Sorbolene to the wound after 2 weeks and gently massage the wound. This will help to soften the scar.
14. Scar: - At 10 days the scar usually looks good but after 3 weeks it goes a purple colour .
This is NORMAL wound healing . The scar usually fades to being white after 6 – 12 months.
A persistent thick, raised purple scar ( Keloid Scar) is possible but very uncommon in the hand.
15. Swelling – A degree of thickening over the operation area is normal.
The flexor retinaculum has been divided but will gradually heal again in an expanded fashion.
The swelling usually decreases over 6 months.
16. Activity: - You are largely restricted by what pain allows you to do.
It is very unlikely you will “do damage” by using your hand and you are not going to “ruin the operation” by using your hand.
17. Driving -You can return to driving when:
- you are confident that you could turn the wheel in an emergency to save yourself or someone else.
- You should be off strong pain killers before returning to driving.
18. Concerns – If you think the wound is infected or if pain is progressively increasing then return for review immediately.
Ring - Rooms 9650 – 4382 during week days 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- The hospital where the surgery has been performed after hours or weekends.
Prince of Wales Private 9650 4000
Kareena Private Hospital 9717 0000
Sydney Surgical Centre 9399 8844 ( Office Hours)
19. Follow up - Most people do not need or want further review after this procedure BUT if you are at all concerned or have any questions please make an appointment to see Dr Myers at any stage for a further post-operative review.