SERVICES

HAND SURGERY

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

What is peripheral nerve surgery of the upper limb?

Peripheral nerves in the upper limb are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles of the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers. These nerves also carry sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain. When nerves are injured or compressed, patients may experience weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, or even loss of function.


Peripheral nerve surgery is a specialised area within plastic and reconstructive surgery that focuses on diagnosing and treating nerve injuries, entrapments, and tumours. Using microsurgical techniques, a plastic surgeon can repair, decompress, or reconstruct damaged nerves to restore function and sensation and relieve chronic pain.

Conditions treated with peripheral nerve surgery

  • Nerve injuries Lacerations or trauma can sever or stretch nerves, requiring surgical repair, nerve grafts, or transfers to restore movement and feeling.
  • Nerve compressions Common entrapment syndromes such as carpal tunnel (median nerve) and cubital tunnel (ulnar nerve) can be treated with decompression surgery to relieve pressure.
  • Neuromas When injured nerves heal improperly, they may form painful nerve lumps. Excision and targeted reconstruction can provide lasting relief.
  • Brachial plexus injuries Severe injuries to the shoulder region may affect multiple nerves. Surgical exploration, grafting, or transfer can help recover partial or full function.

FAQ

1How is nerve damage diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes a clinical exam, nerve conduction studies, and imaging. Prompt identification is crucial to prevent permanent damage.
2What is involved in nerve reconstruction?
Surgeons may suture severed nerves directly or use grafts from donor nerves (commonly from the leg) to bridge gaps. Nerve transfers redirect a functioning nerve to take over a lost function.
3Can function be restored after nerve surgery?
Outcomes depend on injury severity and time since the injury. With timely intervention and post-operative therapy, significant recovery of movement and sensation is often possible.
HAND SURGERY
Congenital Hand Deformities Replantation and Trauma of the Hand Soft tissue masses and Cancers of the hand Burns and Reconstructive Burns surgery Peripheral nerve surgery Spasticity Spasticity Surgery Tendinopathies
BREAST SURGERY
Breast Reduction Breast Reconstruction Breast lift Breast Augmentation Male Breast Reduction Revision of Breast Surgery
PAEDIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY
Cleft Lip/Palate Repair Otoplasty
COSMETIC SURGERY
Liposuction Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty – Mini Thigh Lift Arm Lift Labiaplasty Fat Grafting/Transfer Blepharoplasty Lip Lift Non-Surgical Procedures
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Keloidectomy Skin cancer removal Biopsy Lipoma Excision Scar Revision Skin Tag Removal Ear Lobe Repair Foreign Body Removal Nailbed Repair Trauma Lacerations Cyst Excision

Dr Phalafala’s Commitment

Dr Phalafala's success lies in her collaborative, detail-oriented approach to complex surgery. She develops personalised treatment plans focused on each patient’s unique needs, supported by a foundation of empathy, communication, and clinical excellence. Her goal is to provide transformative outcomes through reconstructive and cosmetic surgery that not only enhance form and function but also restore confidence and quality of life.

Request a Consultation