Understanding what to expect can make your surgical experience more comfortable and reduce anxiety.
Before Surgery
You’ll receive information from the hospital about fasting times and arrival details. Continue your normal medications unless advised otherwise. If you take blood-thinning medicines (e.g. warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban etc…), you should have received individual advice. If not, please contact us.
Remove nail polish and jewellery from the affected hand before admission.
Anaesthetic Options
Most hand and wrist operations are performed as day cases under either local anaesthetic, regional block, or WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anaesthetic No Tourniquet) technique. It’s sometimes confusing as regional block still uses local anaesthetic but the whole arm will be numb and you can either be fully conscious or lightly sedated. These methods allow a faster recovery and avoid the nausea and vomiting associated with general anaesthesia.
For more complex procedures, general anaesthetic may still be required – your anaesthetist will discuss this with you on the day.
During Surgery
The operation is usually completed within 30–90 minutes, depending on complexity. If you have a local anaesthetic or regional anaesthetic, you will feel movement but you won’t feel pain i.e. you are aware someone is doing something but it doesn’t hurt.
Your hand will be bandaged and sometimes supported in a half-cast (backslab) to protect the repair.
After Surgery
You’ll be monitored for a short period before discharge. Keep the hand elevated on pillows for 48 hours to help reduce swelling and pain.
You may be given some pain relief to take at home or you can use over-the-counter paracetamol / ibuprofen (providing you are not sensitive or allergic to it). The local / regional anaesthetic typically wears off overnight, so keep some painkillers and a glass of water on your bedside table.
Someone should drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours to ensure you don’t have any adverse effects.
Summary: Most hand and wrist surgeries are completed as day cases under local or regional anaesthetic, allowing you to go home the same day.
If you’re experiencing hand and wrist or related symptoms, we can confirm the cause and tailor a plan – often starting with splints/hand therapy and exercises, with medicines, injections or surgery only where appropriate.
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
For emergencies (severe/new weakness, spreading infection, uncontrolled pain, significant injury) call 999, or use NHS 111 for urgent guidance.
Appointments:
- Self-pay patients can book without a GP referral
- Insured patients (Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, etc…) can book once authorised.
Clinics are available at:
- The Harborne Hospital – HCA, Birmingham
- Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital
- The Priory Hospital, Birmingham
To book or ask a question, contact Vikki (Private Secretary):
☎ 07510 417479
✉ [email protected]