What is a Fasciectomy?
A fasciectomy is a procedure to remove fascia in your hand that tightens from Dupuytren’s disease – a progressive connective tissue disorder that causes fascia in one or both hands to become thick and tight. This condition causes one or more of your fingers to involuntarily curl toward your palm, and in more severe cases, you can straighten your fingers. The goal of a fasciectomy is to relax your fingers and improve hand function.
Fasciectomies are needed by people who have Dupuytren’s disease. Your healthcare provider will try less invasive procedures first, such as steroid injections. If these treatments don’t work, your provider may recommend surgery.
Risks of a Fasciectomy
Like with any procedure, a fasciectomy carries certain risks. Some loss of sensation or numbness in your fingers is normal and should improve as the contracted nerves begin to stretch. In rare cases, damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels may permanently affect the use of your finger. Other risks include:
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia.
- Infections
- Skin sensitivity and scarring.
- Bruising
- Swelling
What to Expect During a Fasciectomy
Surgeons can perform a fasciectomy using different methods. Types of fasciectomies include:
- Segmental (partial) fasciectomy – small incisions in the natural creases of your hand to separate the thickened tissue from nearby tendons and nerves, removing a short section of the affected tissue cord. This is often an outpatient procedure using regional anesthesia.
- Subtotal palmar fasciectomy – several incisions along the creases in your palm and fingers to remove diseased tissue. This procedure often requires general anesthesia and skin grafts.
- Dermofasciectomy – removing diseased fascia tissue along with some of the skin from the palm. This procedure often requires general anesthesia and skin grafts.
A fasciectomy won’t cure Dupuytren’s disease, but it can improve hand function. Approximately 2 out of 10 people will experience some recurrence of Dupuytren's after their fasciectomy.
The pain, swelling, and stiffness after surgery may take a few months to subside. It is important to follow your provider’s instructions for after care to ensure proper healing and to avoid infection or other complications. This may include:
- Applying an ice pack and keeping the hand elevated.
- Cleaning the wound with soap and water.
- Keep your hand dry.
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy.
- Medications
- Wearing a splint for up to 12 weeks.
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Allergic reaction
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Inability to feel or move your fingers.
- Severe muscle pain
- Signs of infection, such as fever or yellow discharge