Why is this procedure done?
Tendons are strong bands of tissues. They connect the muscle to the bone. You can have scar tissue around the tendons. This is most often due to an injury. Because of this, you may have pain or limited movements. When the doctor frees the tendons from the scar tissue, it is called tenolysis. Your doctor might choose to do this if nothing else is helping your condition. Most often, people need this on their hands, wrists, or fingers. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
Your hand, wrist, or finger will move better and hurt less. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you relax and possibly go to sleep. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- The doctor will tie a rubber strap near the area of surgery. This will help stop blood flow in the area.
- Your doctor will make a cut on your skin to expose the tendon and tissues. Then, the doctor will cut and get rid of the scar tissues around the tendon.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean and thick bandages.
- The procedure may last an hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You will get drugs through an I.V. to help with your pain.
- Your doctor may ask you to wear a splint.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. Talk to your doctor about:
- When it is safe for you to take a bath or shower
- How to care for your cut site
- When you need to change your bandage
- What to look for in case of infection
- When you may go back to your regular activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
- Let your injury heal. Rest your hand. Prop your arm on pillows.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist. The physical therapist will help you move easier and become stronger.
What problems could happen?
- Pain and stiffness of the muscle
- Damage to nearby muscles and nerves
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚