Our Summary

This study surveyed American hand surgeons to understand their work practices and satisfaction. The surgeons who participated in the survey could be on call for hand surgeries with or without the option of microvascular surgeries. The study found that a majority of the surveyed surgeons were not satisfied with their current working conditions. The main issues they faced were related to their pay, the availability of operating rooms, and burnout due to work stress. The study suggests that less frequent on-call duties, assistance in the consultation and surgery process, better pay for being on call, and easy access to operating rooms can increase their job satisfaction. The findings could help in developing strategies to improve the working conditions for hand surgeons and reduce their burnout.

FAQs

  1. What were the main issues faced by hand surgeons according to the study?
  2. What suggestions does the study make to improve job satisfaction for hand surgeons?
  3. How can the findings of this study be used to improve the working conditions for hand surgeons?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand transplant surgery is to carefully follow the post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare team. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, participating in physical therapy, and avoiding activities that could potentially harm the new hand. By following these instructions, the patient can help ensure a successful recovery and long-term function of the transplanted hand.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hand transplant surgery are those who have experienced severe trauma or injury to the hand, leading to loss of function or severe deformity. This may include patients who have lost their hand in an accident, suffered severe burns, or have a congenital hand deformity that significantly impacts their quality of life. Hand transplant surgery is usually considered as a last resort when other treatment options have been exhausted and the patient is deemed to be a suitable candidate for the procedure. Additionally, patients must be willing to commit to a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the transplanted hand.

Timeline

Before hand transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes extensive evaluation to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a hand transplant.
  2. Patient meets with a transplant team to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure.
  3. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor hand.
  4. Once a donor hand becomes available, patient undergoes the transplant surgery.

After hand transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes intensive rehabilitation to regain function and sensation in the transplanted hand.
  2. Patient may need to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their life to prevent rejection of the transplanted hand.
  3. Patient continues with long-term follow-up care to monitor the success of the transplant and address any complications that may arise.
  4. Patient may experience improvements in their quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks with their new hand.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a hand transplant surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what kind of rehabilitation will be required?
  3. What are the success rates of hand transplant surgeries and what are the expected outcomes?
  4. Will I need to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of my life after the transplant?
  5. What kind of follow-up care will be required after the surgery?
  6. How will the hand transplant affect my daily activities and abilities?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or options that I should consider before proceeding with a hand transplant?
  8. How many hand transplant surgeries have you performed and what is your experience with this procedure?
  9. What is the expected timeline for scheduling and undergoing a hand transplant surgery?
  10. How will the cost of the hand transplant surgery be covered, and are there any financial assistance options available?

Reference

Authors: Douleh DG, Ipaktchi K, Lauder A. Journal: J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Nov;47(11):1120.e1-1120.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.08.021. Epub 2021 Oct 28. PMID: 34756619