Dupuytren’s disease runs in families, and while it isn’t yet curable, you can usually manage it well long-term. In the early stages of Dupuytren’s disease, you will feel small knots or lumps orientated towards your fingers, on the palm side of your hand. As it progresses, your fingers will be increasingly harder to straighten (contractures). The lumps and bands that develop are also called palmar fibromatosis. These don't develop from or affect the tendons to your fingers.
When you need surgery for Dupuytren’s disease
Dupuytren’s contracture isn’t painful in itself, but as the contractures progress, they can make everyday life more challenging and eventually compromise the function of your hand. Since Dupuytren’s contractures can recur after surgical treatment, it is important to time your surgery right. There are non-surgical and minor surgical treatment options for different types of palmar fibromatosis when it is very limited. During your consultation, Dr Patrick Lyall will discuss your options, the timing of your surgery, as well as its risks and the cost involved.
The procedure
Patrick will perform your Dupuytren’s surgery as a day procedure under general anaesthetic at Mercy Hospital. The operation will usually take several hours, but in most cases, you don't need to stay in hospital. You won’t be able to drive for at least a week after your surgery. As with any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications. Patrick will explain them in detail during your consultation.
Your recovery
You may experience some tenderness in the hand for a few days. Your hand will be more comfortable elevated. Patrick will review your hand frequently after the surgery and organise hand therapy (exercises and splints) to ensure that you achieve a rapid recovery. It will be difficult to use your hand even for a desk job for a few weeks. The stitches are usually dissolving so don't need to be removed.
Recurrence of Dupuytren’s contracture
The condition isn’t yet curable, so you may develop it again after you’ve had surgery. In most cases, it affects other fingers or your other hand before recurring in the same place. It is possible to have surgery on the same part of your hand again in future.
Dupuytren’s disease surgery cost at 
Patrick will always give you a personal cost estimate before any procedure is agreed on. The cost of Dupuytren’s surgery is determined by the complexity and the length of the operation.
