Scar tissue following surgery-Q

[Guest guest]

Hello Unda Group:

I have a 71 y.o. male patient who has had 7 surgeries on his right

hand/wrist since 2002. The first surgery was for dupuytren's

syndrome; the second for carpal tunnel; and the next 5 operations

were to remove excess scar tissue at the wrist. His hand would

become so swollen with blood and fluid (due to blockage from the

scar tissue) that it looked like he was wearing a huge baseball

glove. He can barely bend his fingers, and of course it is very

uncomfortable for him. One surgery gave him 3 years of relief, but

the most recent surgery only gave him 3 months. The surgeon won't do

the surgery again as it is obviously ineffective. The surgeon

describes the regrowth as 'rice'- a scattering of synovial particles

spreading through surrounding tissues, rather than consolidated in

the synovial sheath. There is profuse leakage of synovial fluid for

over a week following surgery.

He has been tested for RA (was -ve); tissue culture found no

evidence of Tb (he had Tb as a teen).

He is being referred to a rheumatologist to explore using steroids

or gold to shrink the synovial fluid. He prefers to not go this

route.

He is healthy in every other way, on no meds. Very physically active

and so the inflammation in his hand is very debilitating.

What I am trying to figure out is WHY the scar tissue keeps on

growing back? What is causing this?

We haven't started any treatment yet as I have just returned from

holidays, but would appreciate any feedback that you may have to

share on similar cases...or any suggestions.

I am going to start him on castor oil packs locally to the area and

possibly some bowen treatment. I was thinking of using some natural

anti-inflammatories (such as Wobenzym); also vitamin E, arnica. Anti-

inflammatory diet. But, I need to understand what is the cause

before I can completely come up with a treatment plan.

I appreciate any suggestions...

Kindly,

Dr. Ashely Gordon, N.D.

Squamish and Whistler, B.C. Canada