Wide‑Awake Hand Surgery

I am very conscious of the high cost of health care and the risks associated with anesthesia. Many of the hand procedures I perform can be done safely and comfortably under local anesthesia—without general anesthesia or heavy sedation.

What to expect

• Minimal discomfort during anesthesia administration

• A pain‑free procedure

• Faster same‑day recovery

• No fasting or extensive preoperative testing for many procedures

• Little to no postoperative nausea or mental fog

Procedures commonly performed wide‑awake

• Carpal tunnel release

• Trigger finger release

• Tendon repairs

• Hand and finger fracture treatment

• And other common hand procedures

Benefits of avoiding sedation or general anesthesia

• No need for intravenous medications

• No post‑anesthesia nausea or confusion

• Quicker return to normal activities

• Ability to continue home medications without interruption

• Lower cost for patients and the healthcare system

• Intraoperative testing of repaired structures (surgeon can assess tendon or fracture repairs while you move the fingers)

Patient experience Almost all patients report a pleasant experience with local anesthesia. Many choose to watch their procedure, and some procedures can be performed in the office—saving significant time and expense.

I select the type of anesthesia that best fits the procedure and your individual needs. If you’re interested in wide‑awake hand surgery, we can discuss whether it’s appropriate for your condition and walk through the details so you feel comfortable and informed.