Preparing for Surgery
The weeks before, the day of, and the first days at home.
Do I need to arrange anything before my surgery date?
Yes. Even for a short, in-office procedure, plan for the basics: someone to drive you home if you receive any sedation, a few days with lighter use of your hand or arm, and your prescriptions picked up ahead of time if any are called in.
If your work involves repetitive hand use, ask Dr. Hunter's team how many days off to plan for your specific procedure. Needs vary by procedure and by hand, so your team will confirm what applies to you.
What should I bring, and what should I stop taking before surgery?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and a list of your current medications.
Your surgical team will confirm which medications to pause and when, particularly blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, since these can affect bleeding and bruising around the hand and wrist. Do not stop or change any medication on your own before checking with the team.
What happens on the day of my procedure?
Most procedures Dr. Hunter performs, including in-office sutureless trigger finger release, happen in the clinic rather than a hospital operating room.
You will check in, confirm your medical history, and have the area numbed with a local anesthetic, a medicine that blocks feeling in one small part of the body while you stay awake. Dr. Hunter, who trained in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery during his residency at Campbell Clinic, performs the release itself through a small opening that does not require stitches to close. The visit is typically brief, and you leave the same day with care instructions for your hand.
What is normal to feel in the days afterward?
Some soreness, tightness, and mild swelling around the treated finger or hand is expected and usually settles over the following days to weeks.
Many patients move the treated finger right away and return to light daily tasks quickly, though healing time varies by person and by the condition being treated. Your team will give you a specific guide for icing, hand use, and any follow-up visit.
What symptoms mean I should call the office right away?
Call if you notice increasing redness, warmth, or drainage at the site, a fever, numbness or tingling that is new or getting worse, or pain that keeps increasing instead of easing.
Also call if you cannot move the treated finger or hand at all, or if swelling becomes severe. The office can tell you over the phone whether what you are feeling is part of normal healing or needs to be seen.
How do I reach the office with questions before my surgery?
Call the office directly with any question, no matter how small, before your procedure date.
Dr. Hunter's practice in Columbia, Tennessee is accepting new patients, and staff can confirm scheduling, medication questions, and day-of logistics ahead of time.
This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice from your own care team. Always follow the specific instructions given to you by Dr. Hunter's office for your procedure.
Ready to talk about your hand, elbow and wrist?
Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.