Trigger Finger Surgery: What to Expect

Before Surgery

- Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery, such as:

- Fasting (not eating or drinking) for a certain number of hours before surgery

- Stopping certain medications or supplements

- Taking a shower the night before surgery

- Wearing comfortable clothing to the hospital

- You may also need to have some tests before surgery, such as:

- Blood tests

- Urine tests

- An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart rhythm

- A chest X-ray

During Surgery

Trigger finger surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, which means you will go home the same day. The surgery takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

- You will be given general anesthesia, which will keep you unconscious during the surgery.

- The surgeon will make a small incision in your palm or finger.

- The surgeon will then release the thickened pulley that is causing your trigger finger.

- The surgeon may also remove any scar tissue or inflammation that is present.

- The incision will be closed with stitches or surgical tape.

After Surgery

- You will wake up in the recovery room where you will be monitored for any complications.

- You may have some pain and swelling in your hand or finger.

- You will be given pain medication to help control the pain.

- You will be able to go home the same day as your surgery.

Recovery

- You will need to keep your hand or finger elevated for several days to help reduce swelling.

- You will need to wear a splint or cast for several weeks to protect your hand or finger as it heals.

- You will need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks.

- You will need to follow your doctor's instructions for taking care of your hand or finger as it heals.

Risks

All surgeries have risks, but the risks of trigger finger surgery are rare. Some of the risks include:

- Bleeding

- Infection

- Damage to nerves or blood vessels

- Persistent pain or stiffness

- Recurrence of trigger finger

Success Rate

Trigger finger surgery is usually successful in relieving the pain and stiffness caused by trigger finger. About 95% of people who have trigger finger surgery experience complete relief of their symptoms.