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Dupuytren's Fasciectomy

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Dupuytren’s fasciectomy — correcting hand contractures to improve function and daily activities.

Updated Aug 2026

A hand-drawn illustration of a hand resting after surgery, the palm wrapped in a soft surgical dressing with the fingers lying straight. — After a Dupuytren's fasciectomy the diseased cord has been removed; the hand rests in a soft dressing while the straightened finger recovers. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Why this operation has been suggested¶

This page reflects how Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, approaches this in our clinic. We reach patients through GP or physiotherapist referrals. A clinic assessment establishes your diagnosis. For long-standing problems, we usually try non-operative care first. We consider surgery when that has not given enough improvement.

Surgery is the standard treatment for progressive Dupuytren contractures. Limited palmar fasciectomy is the most common option. It removes the thickened tissue causing your fingers to bend. This helps your hand move more freely. Patients gain significant functional benefit from this correction. Long-term reintervention rates are lower with fasciectomy than with collagenase injections. We aim to improve your hand normality and daily function.

Before the operation¶

Your surgeon will arrange pre-operative tests like blood work or an anaesthetic review to ensure you are safe for surgery. Please fast for the required time before your arrival and stop taking any medications that increase bleeding risk, following your surgeon’s specific instructions. Bring a complete list of your current medicines to the hospital. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arm. You must arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will not be able to drive immediately. These steps help ensure a smooth start to your treatment journey.

On the day¶

You present to the hospital's surgical admissions unit, where you are checked in and prepared for theatre. You meet the anaesthetist to discuss your care. This operation is done under general anaesthetic. You will be fully asleep for the operation. Some patients may also have a regional nerve block for post-operative pain relief — the anaesthetist decides on the day based on your individual circumstances.

You are then taken into the operating theatre, where the operation is performed. You wake up in the recovery area, where nurses monitor you while the anaesthetic wears off. Once you are stable you either go to the ward or go home, depending on the procedure and your recovery.

What the operation involves¶

Your surgeon performs this as an open procedure. This means they make a single cut over the front of your hand to access the affected area. Through this opening, they carefully remove the thickened cords of tissue that are pulling your fingers into a bent position. By removing these tight bands, your fingers can be straightened out again.

In some cases where the disease is more advanced, your surgeon may also remove a small piece of skin along with the tight tissue. This helps ensure the skin is not too tight when your fingers are straightened. The goal is to release the tension so your hand can function normally again.

Once the tight tissue is removed and your fingers are straightened, your surgeon closes the cut with stitches. A dressing is then applied to protect the area while it begins to heal. This approach allows for a direct view of the problem area, ensuring all tight tissue is addressed.

After the operation¶

You will wake up in a recovery ward where your pain is managed. Most patients stay one night in hospital after this operation, though some are able to go home the same day. You must have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours. Your hand will be dressed and supported in a sling or brace. We keep the dressing clean and dry to protect the wound. Gentle movement of your fingers is encouraged to reduce stiffness. You can usually return to driving within one to two weeks, once the wound is comfortable and you can grip and turn the wheel without protecting the operated hand. If a splint is used, NO DRIVING until it is off. Learn more at Driving after upper-limb surgery.

Recovery¶

You can expect some swelling and stiffness in the days following your procedure. This is a normal part of healing. We use perioperative corticosteroids to help manage this discomfort and improve your early hand movement. Your hand may feel tender, but this usually eases as the initial swelling settles.

Your recovery involves gentle hand therapy with Ruby Doolan at Extend Rehabilitation. You will perform specific exercises to restore movement and strength. If we use a splint, you must keep it on until your surgeon clears you to remove it. Do not drive while wearing a splint. You can return to driving once the splint is off, the wound is comfortable, and you can grip the wheel without pain.

Focus on using your hand for light daily tasks as tolerated. Avoid heavy lifting or gripping until you can do so without pain. Sleep with your hand elevated on pillows to reduce swelling. Your timeline may differ; your surgeon and physio will guide you through each step of your unique recovery journey.

What can go wrong¶

Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.

Recurrence is a known possibility. This means the thickened tissue in your palm grows back. You might notice your finger slowly curling inward again. It may feel tight or stiff when you try to straighten it. This can happen with any treatment type. The disease process does not always stop after surgery. If you see this change, bring it up at your next review. Your surgeon will check the movement and discuss if further treatment is needed.

You might also notice that the skin over your hand feels different. Sometimes the skin can become tight or pull on the surface. This is part of the healing process. It usually improves with time and gentle movement. If the skin becomes very red, hot, or starts draining fluid, this could be a sign of infection. Call the clinic immediately if you see these signs. Do not wait for your next appointment.

Some patients experience increased pain or swelling that does not ease with simple painkillers. This is not typical. If your pain gets worse instead of better, or if you feel a sudden increase in swelling, contact us. We want to rule out any complications early.

It is important to know that recurrence can happen even if your first treatment worked well. This is true for both surgery and injections. The tissue can react to the original condition again. There is no guarantee that the disease will stay away forever. However, most people find that the benefits last for a long time. If you notice any return of symptoms, let us know. We can help manage it.

The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.

When to call us¶

Call us if you have fever, increasing wound redness, or discharge. Go to emergency for sudden severe pain, calf swelling, or shortness of breath. Seek urgent care for loss of sensation or inability to move your hand. We monitor your recovery closely. Contact us immediately if any of these symptoms arise so we can assess you promptly.

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