Trigger thumb surgery and lymphedema risk

KBeee

I have had lymphedema on and off since my ALND in 2015. Mine is much less serious than many have to endure, and mine is intermittent. I have trigger thumb on my cancer side nad am havingit released in 2 weeks with a very minor surgical procedure. My question..... orthopedic surgeon asked if it is best that he not use a tourniquet during teh surgery due to lymphedema risk. Thoughts???

MinusTwo

KBeee - what a good question. I have trigger thumb(s) and so far have dealt with them by steroid injections since it originally came up right after my BC diagnosis. Luckily a series of 3 or 4 injections over a year and the problem has gone away for 5 years. Maybe forever - knock wood.

Anyway - I'd be tempted to say no tourniquet if he can do without. No valid science, just my gut feeling.

MinusTwo

I hope some others weigh in. If not, maybe post this on the LE threads too.

Spookiesmom

Sort of different here, I had a squamous cancer taken out of my LE hand last Tuesday. In office procedure. It’s a big spot, nickel size. It’s still oozing. So I think it shouldn’t be a problem, just watch for signs of infection.

I have BP done on this arm too. No problem.

buttonsmachine

Hi KBeee, I've been dealing with a trigger thumb too, but mine was caused by Aromasin. I had the max number of cortisone injections, so if the problem persists I'll need that surgery on my LE arm too.

Anyway, this is what I've learned from my doctors in general about subsequent surgeries on the LE arm/side: 1.) the risk of worsening LE is probably "small, but not zero." 2.) My doctors suggested that I increase my daily compression wearing time to minimize swelling after the procedure. There will inevitably be more swelling and inflammation right after a surgery, hence the extra support for your arm. 3.) Avoid infections, and rest after surgery, take pain medicine if needed, etc.

I'll let you know if I think of anything else. Keep us posted on how it goes for you!

buttonsmachine

I also agree that if you can go without the tourniquet, that's probably better.

KBeee

Thanks for the tips gals! I think I'll request to do no tourniquet. Honestly, I was very pleased that he asked; it definitely shows at least an awareness of lymphedema, which many non-cancer docs seem to lack. I had a choice to start with cortisone shots, but did 2 on the other side when I had it and they had zero effect which was shocking to the doc I had at the time. I also had zero luck with them either time I had carpal tunnel. These do work well for most people, and since I had no luck previously, we both agreed that I could skip them since the chance of them working was extremely slim... I was relieved...I just want it fixed!