Are you put to sleep for Dupuytren's surgery?
Sophia Koch
Updated on February 21, 2026
In Dupuytren's (say "doo-pwee-TRAHNZ") contracture, the fascia of the palm of the hand becomes thick and tight. This causes the fingers to become stiff and to curl toward the palm. Removing the fascia can help relax the fingers. This surgery may be done while you are asleep or while you are awake.
Is Dupuytren's surgery painful?
Your hand and fingers may be swollen for the first few days. Most people need pain medicine for about a week after surgery. You may feel numbness or tingling near the cut, called an incision, that the doctor made. This feeling will probably start to get better in a few days, but it may take several months to go away.Is Dupuytren's contracture surgery outpatient?
Surgery for Dupuytren's Disease is commonly performed as an outpatient – you will probably go home the same day. The surgical procedure may be performed in an operating room in a surgery center or hospital. The needle aponeurotomy may be performed in the office setting.How long is the recovery time for Dupuytren's contracture surgery?
It can take two months or more to fully return to your normal activities after surgery. Try to keep moving your fingers to relieve pain and stiffness. Massaging your fingers or applying heat can also help with movement and discomfort.What is recovery like for Dupuytren's contracture surgery?
Following surgery, you will likely have to wear a hand splint for two to four months. You may also need hand therapy for six to 12 weeks to get strength and movement back to your hand as soon as possible. Any tissue scarring from your Dupuytren's surgery should diminish within a year or so.5. Dupuytren's Contracture
What is the success rate of Dupuytren's surgery?
Overall, surgery for Dupuytren's disease in the NHS is effective and safe with low complication rates. Within 90 days of surgery: less than one in 100 (0.8%) patients experienced serious systemic complications. one in 100 (1.2%) of patients experienced serious local complications.Can I drive after Dupuytren's surgery?
By 2 weeks post surgery you should be able to use your hand for most normal day to day tasks. You are able to drive as soon as pain allows and you are safe to control the vehicle. It is very important not to overuse your hand following surgery, as this may delay your healing.When should Dupuytren's be operated on?
Surgery for Dupuytren contracture generally should be performed on an affected metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint if the contracture is 30° or greater. Such contractures most likely cause some debilitation for the patient.What does Dupuytren's contracture surgery look like?
The condition usually begins as a thickening of the skin on the palm of your hand. As it progresses, the skin on your palm might appear puckered or dimpled. A firm lump of tissue can form on your palm. This lump might be sensitive to the touch but usually isn't painful.Why is Dupuytren's so painful?
The thickened tissue can form lumps that feel tender. And the curling of the fingers can cause pain and reduce mobility. When the palm and fingers are contracted, the compressed tissue can also develop sensitive grooves that can make it difficult to use your hands.Is Dupuytren's a form of arthritis?
Dupuytren's contracture: This form of arthritis causes the tissue beneath the hand to develop nodules in the fingers and palms. These lumps can cause the fingers to stick in place.What happens if you don't treat Dupuytren's contracture?
But a more likely scenario if you don't treat Dupuytren's is that over time your hand will develop hard chord-like formations that pull on your ring or pinky fingers, pulling them into a stuck position. If this goes untreated, it can make simple tasks involving your hand very difficult.How serious is Dupuytren's contracture?
The condition is not dangerous. Many people don't get treatment. But treatment for Dupuytren's contracture can slow the disease or help ease your symptoms.How long does numbness last after Dupuytren's surgery?
You may have some numbness or tingling of fingers due to the local anesthetic injections used to help control post-operative pain (this should wear off within about 24 hours).Does injections work for Dupuytren's contracture?
Dupuytren's Treatment: CCH Collagenase InjectionThese enzymes break down the collagen buildup in the hand that causes lumps and chords in Dupuytren's. Xiaflex is the only CCH injection on the market. It shows low recurrence rates of Dupuytren's contracture and often provides fast, effective results.