Our Summary

This study looks at how much space is required in operating rooms for different types of hand surgeries. The researchers divided the surgeries into four categories based on the size of the room needed: large operations needing advanced equipment, medium-sized operations needing certain imaging equipment, small operations, and minor procedures that don’t require anesthesia.

For example, the biggest hand surgeries, such as reattaching a finger, required the most space (125 square feet), followed by general orthopedic surgeries (118 square feet), medium hand surgeries (107 square feet), general surgery like removing the appendix (68 square feet), small hand surgeries (85 square feet) and minor procedures (49 square feet).

These findings help hospitals and clinics better plan their space for efficiency, cost saving, and patient safety. For instance, they can allocate smaller rooms for minor procedures and save larger rooms for more complex surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What are the four categories of hand surgeries based on room size required?
  2. How do these findings help hospitals and clinics in their planning?
  3. What are some examples of surgeries that fall into each of the four categories?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This can include keeping the hand elevated, applying ice packs as directed, taking prescribed pain medication, and attending follow-up appointments. Following these instructions can help ensure proper healing and a successful outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for hand surgery include those with:

  1. Severe hand injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, or tendon injuries
  2. Chronic conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, or arthritis
  3. Congenital hand deformities, such as syndactyly or polydactyly
  4. Nerve compression disorders, such as cubital tunnel syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome
  5. Tumors or cysts in the hand or wrist
  6. Repetitive strain injuries, such as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis or tennis elbow
  7. Infections or injuries that have not responded to conservative treatments

It is important for patients to consult with a hand surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition. Hand surgery can help improve hand function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life for patients.

Timeline

Before hand surgery, a patient typically undergoes a consultation with a hand surgeon to discuss their condition and treatment options. They may also undergo pre-operative testing and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. On the day of surgery, the patient will arrive at the hospital or surgical center and be prepared for the procedure by the medical team.

During hand surgery, the patient is placed under anesthesia and the surgeon performs the necessary procedure, which could include repairing tendons, nerves, or bones in the hand. After surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery area where they are monitored closely as they wake up from anesthesia. They may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the hand following surgery.

In the days and weeks following hand surgery, the patient will attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their recovery progress. They may also undergo physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility in the hand. It can take several weeks to months for the hand to fully heal and for the patient to resume normal activities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about hand surgery may include:

  1. What specific type of hand surgery do I need and what is involved in the procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome and recovery time?
  4. How much experience do you have performing this type of surgery?
  5. Will I need any special equipment or imaging during the surgery?
  6. How much space is required for the surgery and will the operating room be equipped for my procedure?
  7. How long will the surgery take and will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used and what are the potential side effects?
  9. What post-operative care will be needed and what is the expected timeline for recovery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?

Reference

Authors: Woods D, Illing D, Cao J, Bolson RM, Lauder A, Ipaktchi K. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2025 Feb;30(1):100-106. doi: 10.1142/S2424835525500055. Epub 2024 Oct 14. PMID: 39397277