Finder

Specialises in

• Hand surgery

• Reconstructive surgery

About me

I have been a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgeon for over three years and have worked within plastic surgery for over 15 years. In addition to the standard United Kingdom surgical training pathway I completed a fellowship in reconstructive microsurgery and at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia and a fellowship in hand surgery at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.
I am a specialist in elective hand surgery for nerve compressions (such as carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome), Dupuytrens disease, ganglions and trigger finger. I treat all hand trauma including tendon injuries, fractures, nerve repairs, tendon reconstructions, tendon transfers and reconstructions.

Traditionally some operations (for example cubital tunnel decompression) are performed under general anaesthetic or regional anaesthetic (awake but the anaesthetist numbs your whole arm). I spent time in Canada learning Wide Awake Local Anaesthetic No Tourniquet (WALANT) which allows you to have your operation purely under local anaesthetic. The advantages are you can eat and drink before your operation and are awake during it. General anaesthetic or regional anaesthetic is always offered as an alternative.

In addition to the common treatments for Dupuytrens disease (fasciectomy and dermofasciectomy). I offer Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy (PCNF). This procedure can be performed entirely under local anaesthesia and has a much quicker recovery time than a fasciectomy. I also offer Collagenase for Dupuytrens disease. This is an alternative treatment which uses an injection to break the cord.

I am also a specialist in skin surgery for removal of benign and malignant skin lesions on all parts of the body including the face. I am a core member of the Specialist Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (SSMDT) at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, which ensures that the patients I treat with skin cancer are receiving the highest quality care.

Areas of interest

Carpal tunnel syndrome; Dupuytrens disease; skin lesions

Medical secretaries

• Melanie Heatley
• Spire Norwich Hospital Norwich Hospital Old Watton Road Norwich NR4 7TD
• 01953 601347
• melanieheatley@aol.com