Name of the Procedure:

Repair blood vessel, direct; hand, finger

Summary

This procedure involves surgically repairing a damaged blood vessel in the hand or finger to restore proper blood flow. The surgery is performed directly on the affected vessel to mend it and ensure normal circulation is reestablished.

Purpose

This procedure addresses blood vessel damage or injury in the hand or finger that impedes proper blood flow. The goal is to restore adequate circulation, promote healing, and preserve the function of the hand or finger.

Indications

• Severe cuts or lacerations affecting blood vessels in the hand or finger.
• Trauma leading to blood vessel damage.
• Symptoms of impaired blood flow such as numbness, discoloration, or cold fingers.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments to certain medications may be necessary.
• Preoperative diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or imaging studies, might be required to assess the extent of the injury and plan the repair.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, and the affected hand is sterilized.
2. Anesthesia or sedation is administered to ensure the patient is pain-free; local or regional anesthesia is common.
3. The surgeon makes an incision to access the damaged blood vessel.
4. The vessel is repaired using sutures or grafts as needed to restore proper blood flow.
5. The incision is closed with stitches, and a bandage is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the damage.

Setting

The procedure is usually carried out in a hospital's surgical suite or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeons specialized in vascular or hand surgery.
• Anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists.
• Operating room nurses and surgical technicians.

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding or hematoma formation.
• Blood vessel spasm or re-occlusion.
• Nerve damage leading to numbness or weakness.
• Scarring and possible restrictions in movement.

Benefits

• Restoration of normal blood flow to the hand or finger.
• Relief from symptoms like pain and discoloration.
• Improved function and preservation of the hand or finger.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care includes keeping the hand elevated and clean.
• Pain management typically involves prescribed painkillers.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary for wound checks and to assess healing.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical treatments like splinting or physical therapy.
• Minimally invasive techniques such as angioplasty for certain vascular injuries.
• Each alternative has its pros and cons, such as different recovery times or varying levels of invasiveness.

Patient Experience

Patients may feel some discomfort during the healing process but can manage pain with medication. Swelling and stiffness are common but should gradually improve. Instructions on wound care and physical therapy will be provided to aid in recovery.