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FAQ's and Testimonials

Carolina Baptista MD has helped thousands of patients regain their hand function. With over 20 years of medical experience, she is one of the most skilled and experienced hand surgeons in Portugal.

FAQ's

The hand is a complex anatomical structure composed of various interconnected elements that work in harmony. A hand surgeon treats conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and skin, as well as their interaction with one another and the overall function of the upper limb. Their primary focus is to restore function, relieve pain, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

No, hand surgeons do much more than just perform surgery. Their role is extensive and encompasses various activities, including:

  1. Consultation and Diagnosis: Conducting a thorough clinical assessment of patients with hand, wrist, and often elbow complaints; diagnosing traumatic conditions (such as fractures, dislocations, and ligament injuries) and non-traumatic conditions (such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendinitis, and congenital deformities).
  2. Conservative Treatment: Recommending physiotherapy, orthotics, or immobilization devices; prescribing medications (such as anti-inflammatories, analgesics, or other treatments); manage injections with anesthetics, corticosteroids, or hyaluronic acid.
  3. Surgical Planning: Carefully determining whether surgery is necessary, weighing the risks and benefits for each patient.
  4. Post-Operative Care: Overseeing recovery, including stitch removal, dressing changes, and orthotic adjustments; providing guidance on functional rehabilitation.
  5. Patient Education: Offering a detailed explanation of the condition, treatment options, and strategies for preventing recurrences or complications.
  6. Teaching and Research: Many hand surgeons are also involved in training future doctors and conducting scientific research to improve treatments.

Thus, the work of a hand surgeon extends far beyond surgery, combining technical expertise, clinical care, and functional rehabilitation to improve patients’ quality of life.

These may include infection, bleeding, persistent pain, joint stiffness, adhesion formation, nerve damage leading to sensory or motor impairments, venous thrombosis, prolonged swelling, and inadequate healing, such as keloid formation or contractures. Additionally, specific complications related to the procedure may arise, such as failure in fracture fixation, rejection of implanted materials, or loss of function due to poor recovery or incomplete adherence to the rehabilitation protocol. The severity and frequency of these complications depend on the type of surgery, the technique used, and the patient’s overall health condition.

Microsurgery is defined by the use of magnification as an aid in surgical procedures, using surgical loupes or microscopes. Reconstructive microsurgery involves techniques for repairing or replacing lost tissue, including extremity reimplantation, peripheral nerve reconstruction, and composite tissue transplantation.

For a patient to achieve the best possible outcome from hand surgery, certain measures and attitudes are essential both before and after the procedure.

Pre-Surgery Recommendations:
– Choose an experienced surgeon: Ensure that the surgeon specializes in hand and wrist procedures and has experience with the required surgery.
– Understand the diagnosis and procedure: Ask your doctor about the condition, the surgical goals, potential risks, and expected benefits. The more the patient understands, the more committed he will be to the recovery process.
-Disclose complete medical history: Inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions, allergies, medications being taken, and habits (such as smoking or alcohol consumption), as these factors may affect recovery.
– Follow preoperative instructions: Complete the required medical tests, discontinue specific medications if advised (e.g. anticoagulants), and follow fasting guidelines as directed.
– Prepare your post-surgery environment: Arrange everyday essentials in advance to avoid unnecessary strain or improper postures during the first few weeks.

Post-Surgery Care:
– Follow medical instructions: Use immobilization devices or splints as prescribed, take medications as directed, and adhere to rehabilitation therapies such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
– Perform recommended exercises with discipline: Rehabilitation is essential for recovery, and consistency is key.
– Avoid harmful activities: Do not lift heavy objects or make abrupt movements before receiving medical clearance. Limit excessive use of electronic devices to prevent strain.


Optimizing Healing & Recovery:
– Control risk factors for poor healing:
Avoid smoking (as it reduces blood flow and impairs healing).
– Maintain a healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins (C and D), and essential minerals.
– Monitor warning signs: Watch for redness, excessive swelling, fever, or discharge from the surgical site, as these may indicate an infection.
– Keep follow-up appointments: Regular post-surgical consultations allow for early detection and correction of any recovery issues.


Maximizing Results
The combination of a well-executed surgical technique and the patient’s commitment to every stage maximizes outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.

In hand surgery, the choice of anaesthesia type depends on the procedure, the patient’s condition, and the surgeon’s preference. The most commonly used types of anaesthesia include:

  • Local anaesthesia: Direct infiltration at the surgical site.
  • Regional anaesthesia: Peripheral nerve block (e.g. brachial plexus block).
  • General anaesthesia: Used in complex cases or when the patient cannot tolerate other methods.
  • Intravenous regional anaesthesia: Application of a tourniquet and administration of an intravenous anaesthetic.

After hand surgery, starting a rehabilitation programme is essential to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent complications. Specialised professionals, such as occupational therapists or physiotherapists trained in hand therapy, play a crucial role in this process. They employ various techniques, including mobilisation exercises, muscle strengthening, scar management, and swelling control, to support an effective recovery.

dra carolina baptista - Especialista em Cirurgia da Mão e Microcirurgia

Testimonials

“Good morning, my name is Barend Bezuidenhout, also known as Borris. A few years ago, I broke my hand during a rugby match… and that’s when I met Dr. Carolina Baptista, an orthopedic surgeon in Lisbon, Portugal. She is very reliable and not only an incredible surgeon but also a very kind and caring person. It was a tough journey for me personally, but she was always positive and kept me calm every step of the way toward recovery. She told me everything would be fine, and in the end, it was. She repaired my hand without hesitation and ensured that I followed the right rehabilitation at the right time to get me back on the field as quickly as possible. It has been a few years since then, and I’m still playing rugby with no issues with my hand.  Thank you, Dr. Carolina, for all your help and patience.” Borris

“From the moment I met Dr. Carolina Baptista, I knew I was in the right hands. Her confidence and clear communication immediately put me at ease. She took the time to explain every detail, ensuring that I fully understood the process, and the support from her team was unmatched. … see more
This was my first surgery, and I was extremely stressed, but her calm and reassuring presence made all the difference. What stood out the most was how personalized her guidance was. She set clear expectations, and everything happened exactly as she had planned. I had a broken thumb and two compressed wrists, but thanks to her expertise and guidance, I was able to resume boxing, surfing, and my regular workout routine just four months after surgery. Looking back, I have no doubt that trusting her was the best decision. It is rare to find a doctor who is truly passionate about their work, and I am grateful to have been under her care.” see less
Jad Elsoueidi

“I feel very lucky that Dr. Carolina was my surgeon when I recently fractured both my wrists. Carolina is not only a fantastic surgeon but also caring and professional, with a calming presence. I always felt confident and reassured after speaking with her. And now, both of my wrists are perfectly healed. A big thank you to Dr. Carolina and her team!”  Fiona Price

“My experience with Dr. Carolina Baptista for my scaphoid wrist surgery was excellent. I am a roller hockey athlete and had the misfortune of suffering a complete scaphoid fracture in my left wrist. However, I was incredibly fortunate to be operated on by one of the best wrist specialists in Portugal. My recovery was faster than I had expected, and both during the surgery and the rehabilitation process, I was treated exceptionally well, both on a professional and human level. Now, I can play normally again, all thanks to the expertise of Dr. Carolina Baptista.” Pol Manrubia

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and professionalism with which you carried out my wrist surgery… See more
As a high-performance athlete, the success of post-operative recovery greatly depends on the professionalism and conduct of the surgeon performing the procedure. From the moment I first contacted your team to the post-surgery recovery, I felt in good hands and confident at every stage of the process.Your technical expertise and attention to detail made all the difference, and thanks to your dedication, I am experiencing a smooth recovery and preparing to return even stronger for the upcoming challenges, both on and off the track. I have no words to express my gratitude for your dedication and the compassionate way you treated me throughout. I am extremely grateful for all the support I received and for the competence you demonstrated. Without a doubt, your work was essential to the success of my surgery, and I feel truly blessed to have been cared for by such a highly skilled professional. I sincerely appreciate your patience, empathy, and the trust you instilled in me—not only through your technical expertise but also in your ability to listen and support. Finally, I can now aim for the next Olympic Games even stronger.”
Asdrúbal G. Pimenta See less
“A violent fall in a school environment caused unbearable pain in my left hand, which I use for writing, playing, etc. The hospital emergency department concluded that there was no fracture, but the pain remained unbearable. … See more
My parents took me to a hand orthopedics consultation with Dr. Carolina Baptista, who diagnosed “algoneurodystrophy.” She referred me to a physiatrist, and an excellent physiotherapist helped me regain the ability to write, do gymnastics, and play padel without any limitations after about 30 days. A good diagnosis led to a good recovery. I am Pedro, and I am 10 years old.”
Pedro Pimenta See less
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and professionalism with which you carried out my wrist surgery…” See more
As a high-performance athlete, the success of post-operative recovery greatly depends on the professionalism and conduct of the surgeon performing the procedure. From the moment I first contacted your team to the post-surgery recovery, I felt in good hands and confident at every stage of the process. Your technical expertise and attention to detail made all the difference, and thanks to your dedication, I am experiencing a smooth recovery and preparing to return even stronger for the upcoming challenges, both on and off the track. I have no words to express my gratitude for your dedication and the compassionate way you treated me throughout. I am extremely grateful for all the support I received and for the competence you demonstrated. Without a doubt, your work was essential to the success of my surgery, and I feel truly blessed to have been cared for by such a highly skilled professional. I sincerely appreciate your patience, empathy, and the trust you instilled in me—not only through your technical expertise but also in your ability to listen and support. Finally, I can now aim for the next Olympic Games even stronger.” See less
Eliana Bandeira
“I was advised by my family doctor, Dr. Rita Soares, to schedule a consultation to hear your opinion about my hands…” See More
Dr. Carolina was direct and straightforward, telling me that surgery on my left hand was urgent and that, in the future, I would also need surgery on my right hand, which eventually happened. My hands could no longer close, my fingers were extremely crooked, and I was no longer able to hold a glass or a bottle. My life was becoming quite complicated. However, Dr. Carolina, after the surgeries, my hands improved significantly. If I had undergone the surgeries when you first advised me, I would be even better than I am now. In my opinion, it was a success. Your punctuality during the many consultations I had, your positive attitude, and all your clear explanations about the exercises I needed to do were absolutely fantastic. So, Dr. Carolina, my sincerest thanks for everything.” See Less
Raul Jesus Matos

“Dr. Carolina Morais Baptista, an excellent professional, very attentive and caring. I underwent hand surgery performed by Dr. Carolina Morais Baptista and was extremely satisfied, both with the surgery itself and the post-operative follow-up. My experience with Dr. Carolina Morais Baptista was exceptional, both in consultations and during the surgery, which went very well. I have complete trust in Dr. Carolina Morais Baptista, having undergone a surgery with absolute success, fully recovering the functionality of my hand.” Filipe Alves

“I like to share my experience with Dupuytren’s contracture hand surgery by Dr. Carolina Baptista. She not only answered all my questions in a responsive, professional and conversational way, but she also explained all the elements of the process before and after surgery. According to my physical therapist, Dr. Baptista’s handiwork was beautifully done.. I am pleased with the outcome and would use Dr. Baptista again for any future surgery.” Rick

“Dr. Carolina Baptista accompanied me following a radial head fracture, and throughout all pre- and post-operative consultations, I felt completely supported and well-informed by the medical guidance provided. Most importantly, I felt reassured by the therapeutic relationship established. The surgery went very well, and the procedure (osteosynthesis) allowed me to continue my professional activity as a physiotherapist and my sports activities without limitations. My experience was excellent!” António Lóio

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