Sussex Premier Health, Hastings: Important update for patients with upcoming appointments
Sussex Premier Health, Hastings: Important update for patients with upcoming appointments
Makes a slit in the tendon sheath so the finger can move freely again
Trigger finger occurs when your finger becomes ‘locked’ in position in the palm of your hand and is difficult to straighten. This happens when the tendon in the palm of your hand thickens and gets stuck.
Same day discharge
General or local
Yes
15 to 20 minutes
Yes
Your doctor may recommend surgery to correct your trigger finger, usually if other treatments such as steroid injections, anti-inflammatories and a splint have proven unsuccessful.
In many cases, the cause of trigger finger is unknown. However, it is a condition that is more likely to affect women than men and is more common in people in their 40s and 50s. You may also be more likely to develop trigger finger if you have previously injured your hand, or have certain pre-existing medical conditions including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture and some other hand conditions.
At Sussex Premier Health, you’ll meet your consultant in one of our private consultation rooms.
During this time you will be able to explain your medical history symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests such as scans or blood tests are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
We understand that having surgery can potentially be a time of anxiety and worry. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you providing reassurance.
Your operation may be done under general anaesthesia which means you’ll be asleep during the procedure or under local anaesthesia which means you’ll be awake but your hand will be numb. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
If you’re having the operation under local anaesthesia we may offer you a sedative to help you relax. This may also make it easier for you to keep your hand still during the procedure.
Your surgeon will make a small cut in your palm to get to the tendon and release it. He or she will then close the cut using stitches. Your surgeon may give you an injection of a long-acting local anaesthetic around the operation site to keep the area pain free afterwards.
Trigger finger release is usually performed as a day case so you won’t need to stay overnight in hospital.
After the procedure, depending on the type of anaesthetic you have received you will either be taken to your room or comfortable area, where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
Once you’re ready to be discharged from hospital, you’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive. You should not drive until you feel you could do an emergency stop without discomfort.
A physiotherapist will visit you and show you gentle exercises that will strengthen your hand and keep your joints mobile.
After surgery, you may have some pain, swelling and bruising around the operation site. This may last for a week or two, or until the wound heals.
If your surgeon injected you with a long-acting local anaesthetic around the operation site to keep the area pain free afterwards, your palm and fingers may feel numb for up to 10 hours. After this wears off, you can take over the counter pain relief to ease any discomfort.
You will usually have your stitches removed about seven to 14 days after the operation but if you have dissolvable stitches, they will disappear on their own in seven to 10 days. Afterwards, the scar will feel quite firm and tender.
Follow your surgeon’s advice about driving, returning to work, heavy lifting and sport. A full recovery can take up to a month.
In some cases, the symptoms of trigger finger return needing further surgery. This is more likely if you have diabetes.
Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
After trigger finger release surgery, we will provide you with all the appropriate medication, physiotherapy exercises, advice on what to do and not to do with your finger and follow-up support.
On rare occasions, complications following trigger finger release can occur. Please call our nursing team straight away if you experience any of these symptoms
The possible complications of any surgery include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, excessive bleeding, infection or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in one of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).
Complications specific to a trigger finger release include a small risk of injury to other nerves, blood vessels or tendons in the hand.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health.
Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still here when you need us. You can contact our nursing team on 01424 757459.
Your consultant surgeon will perform your procedure.
You will see them at your initial consultation, on the day of your procedure and if your consultant would like to see you after your operation, a follow up appointment will be made for you.
Speak to a member of our team
01424 757400 
info@sussexpremierhealth.com 
01424 757400