1) How long have you benn in practice as a Hand surgeon and microsurgeon?
Dr.Lucchina exercises as a specialist in orthopedic surgery since 2004. He began his career as “chef de clinic” in 2005 and “Chef de service” in charge for hand surgery since 2006. In 2006 he obtained the title of European specialist for Hand Surgery (European Board for Hand Surgery). Since 2011 he got the title of specialist for Hand surgery in Switzerland (FMH).
2) Can carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve compression at the elbow be managed with non-surgical therapies or minimally invasive procedures?
The severe pain resulting from inflammation of the tendons in compressive neuropathies can be relieved by physical therapy, made by physical therapists, or with pharmaceutical drugs, including steroid injections at the wrist. However, the real nerve compressions that are confirmed by electrophysiological evaluations (electromyography-EMG) often require a surgical treatment that can be performed with innovative, minimally invasive techniques, or with the use of endoscopic instruments that make surgical incisions smaller and postoperative recovery faster for to get back to work or playing sports.
3) Can I have surgery simultaneously with both hands?
This can be done with the endoscopic carpal tunnel release or traumatic incidents on both hands that require urgent treatment. However, in most of the elective surgery, it is best to schedule only one hand at least after 4-6 weeks from each other. It allows the patient to have a free hand without bandages and with a good gripping force as the overall function improves. Occasionally surgery for bilateral Carpal tunnel syndrome is performed when a patient comes from far away and lives at a great distance and a second visit would be difficult.
4) What is the typical recovery time in most surgical procedures at hand?
Hand surgery can involve simple procedures such as carpal tunnel syndrome or removal of foreign bodies is very quick and quickly allows unrestricted use of the hand. Procedures that are more complicated as surgery of the tendons and nerves require up to 1 year for a full recovery of function.
5) All surgeries requiring general anesthesia?
Rarely surgery of the hand and upper limb require a general anesthesia. Dr.Lucchina works with specialist anesthetists in local and loco-regional anesthesia that do not require the use of general anesthesia is not necessary. This means that during the operation does not feel any pain and intravenous sedation helps you relax or sleep for a short time according to desire. In addition, the more procedures are done with catheters in the pump so ‘the patient can’ go home or in a hotel with an almost complete blockade of pain for several days after surgery in Day Hospital
6) What and ‘the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a hand surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system. This includes the treatment of all diseases of the bones, tendons, muscles and joints. The hand surgeon in European countries been recognized as a primary specialty or subspecialty in its own right and work solely. In Switzerland disorders of the hand and / or upper limb can be practiced by doctors after attending a training college for 3 or 4 years and when have completed a catalog operative and a final exam. Dr.Lucchina, after finishing general orthopedic training, has completed the training process specialist for hand surgery and reconstructive microsurgery in Italy, Spain, the USA and Switzerland, devoting then only in this area of the body.