Name of the Procedure:

Drainage of Palmar Bursa; Multiple Bursa

• Common Names: Hand Bursa Drainage, Palmar Bursa Decompression
• Medical Term: Bursectomy of Palmar Bursa

Summary

The drainage of palmar bursa involves surgically removing fluid from multiple bursal sacs in the palm of the hand. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. This procedure aims to relieve pain and swelling caused by inflammation or infection of these bursae.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Inflammation or infection of the palmar bursae (bursitis).
• Goals: Relief of pain, reduction of swelling, and restoration of hand function.

Indications

• Persistent swelling, pain, and tenderness in the palm.
• Infections that do not respond to antibiotics.
• Pain that impairs daily activities and does not improve with conservative treatments.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: May involve fasting if general anesthesia is used, stopping certain medications, and arranging transportation home.
• Assessments: Blood work, imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, MRI) to confirm the diagnosis.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is administered.
2. Incisions: Small incisions are made over the affected bursae.
3. Drainage: Fluid is drained from the bursae using a needle or surgical instruments.
4. Irrigation: The area may be irrigated with saline to remove any debris or infection.
5. Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips.
6. Dressing: A sterile dressing is applied to the site.

Tools and Equipment:

• Surgical instruments (scalpel, needle, syringe)
• Saline solution
• Sutures or adhesive strips

Duration

• Procedure Time: Typically 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

• Location: Outpatient clinic, hospital, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: Surgeon, surgical nurse, anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used).

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Infection, bleeding, bruising.
• Rare Complications: Nerve damage, prolonged pain, recurrence of bursitis, adverse reaction to anesthesia.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Relief from pain and swelling, improved hand function.
• Timeframe: Benefits usually noticed within days to a few weeks.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Keep the hand elevated, follow wound care instructions, take prescribed antibiotics or pain medications.
• Recovery Time: Varies; generally a few days to a week for minor procedures, longer if complications arise.
• Restrictions: Limited use of the hand until fully healed, follow-up appointments for wound check and suture removal.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections.
• Pros and Cons: Non-surgical options are less invasive and have less recovery time but may not be effective for severe cases.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: If local anesthesia is used, the patient will be awake but should not feel pain; if general anesthesia is used, the patient will be asleep.
• After Procedure: Soreness and mild pain managed with prescribed medications, some swelling and bruising at the incision site, follow-up visits to monitor recovery.