[Dupuytren's contracture--late results of surgical treatment at a general surgery clinic].

In the years between 1982 and 1984 44 patients (39 men and 5 women) were operated on Dupuytren's contracture. More than 61% of the patients were treated in the stage II and III according to the classification of Iselin and Dieckmann. In these stages the total fasciectomy is the operation of choice. As operative approach we prefer skin incisions in the linea vitalis and linea mensalis. The recovery of the full function of the hand (especially the working capacity) was seen in 62.5% of the cases. Real relapses appeared in 8 cases. As most frequent postoperative complications appeared perception disorder, wound-healing impairment and edema/respectively haematoma.