Hand Surgery in Melbourne
Your hands are central to almost everything you do. When pain, stiffness, or a nerve or tendon problem limits what you can manage at work or at home, surgical treatment can offer lasting relief and restore function that conservative measures have not been able to achieve.
Our hand surgery team, consisting of Dr Brian Yue, Dr Jasmina Kevric, Dr Chek Tog, Dr Ben Keong, and Dr Ernest Lim treat a range of conditions affecting the wrist, palm, and fingers, including carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture, trigger finger, and tendon injuries.
We are based in Essendon and Bundoora, serving patients across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
When to see a hand surgeon
Many hand and wrist conditions are managed initially with splinting, physiotherapy, or cortisone injections. Surgery becomes an option when those measures have not provided adequate relief, when function is significantly limited, or when the diagnosis itself calls for a surgical approach.
It may be time to seek a surgical opinion if you are experiencing:
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers
- Night pain in the hand or wrist that regularly disturbs your sleep
- A finger that locks, clicks, or catches when you bend it
- A cord-like thickening in the palm, pulling one or more fingers towards it
- Inability to fully straighten a finger due to progressive tightening
- Hand or wrist pain that has not improved with rest or conservative treatment
- Loss of grip strength affects work or everyday tasks
- A tendon injury from a laceration or sudden force to the hand
A GP referral is required to book an initial consultation. If you are not sure whether surgery is the right path, our surgeons will review your full history, any imaging or nerve studies, and prior treatments before making a recommendation.
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(03) 9466 7338Our hand surgery procedures
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
Surgery to release the pressure on the nerve is one of the most commonly performed hand operations and reliably resolves symptoms in the majority of patients.
The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia and typically takes less than 30 minutes. Most patients notice improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of surgery.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition in which abnormal tissue forms beneath the skin of the palm, gradually pulling one or more fingers into a bent position that cannot be straightened.
Surgery to remove the affected tissue (fasciectomy) restores the ability to straighten the finger and is recommended when the contracture is interfering with daily function.
Recovery is supported by hand therapy to maintain the correction and restore full movement.
Trigger Finger Release
Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the tendon sheath around a flexor tendon, causing the finger to catch, click, or lock in a bent position.
In mild cases, it may respond to cortisone injection, but persistent or severe triggering is best treated with a straightforward surgical release of the tendon sheath.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia as a day case. Early movement is encouraged, and most patients return to normal hand use within 2 to 4 weeks.
Tendon Repair
Tendons in the hand and wrist can be cut or torn by lacerations, crush injuries, or sudden, forceful movements. When a tendon is divided or significantly damaged, surgical repair is usually needed to restore strength and movement to the affected fingers.
The timing and technique of repair depend on the location of the injury, how long ago it occurred, and whether other structures, such as nerves, were also affected.
Rehabilitation with a hand therapist following surgery is an important part of achieving a good outcome.
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(03) 9466 7338Your hand surgery journey
From your first appointment to the end of your rehabilitation, here is what you can expect when you choose Specialist Surgical Group for your hand surgery.
1. GP referral
Ask your GP for a referral to the Specialist Surgical Group. A standard referral is valid for 12 months and entitles you to a Medicare rebate on your consultation fee.
If your GP has already organised nerve conduction studies, X-rays, or other investigations, please bring these results to your first appointment.
2. Initial consultation
We will take a detailed history of your symptoms and review any existing test results. A clinical examination of the hand and wrist will be performed.
We will then explain the diagnosis, discuss whether surgery is appropriate, and outline the procedure, including the expected recovery.
3. Pre-operative assessment
Before your procedure, we will confirm your medical fitness for surgery and arrange any outstanding tests.
You will receive written instructions covering what to avoid eating and drinking before your admission, how to manage any regular medications in the days before surgery, and what to bring on the day of surgery.
4. Procedure day
Most hand surgery procedures are performed as day surgery at an accredited Melbourne hospital or day surgery facility. Depending on the procedure and your preferences, local or general anaesthesia may be used.
You will be admitted on the morning of surgery and, in most cases, discharged the same afternoon once you are comfortable and your wound has been dressed.
5. Post-operative recovery
Before discharge, you will receive clear instructions on wound care, dressing changes, pain management, and which activities to avoid in the first days following surgery.
A follow-up appointment will be arranged to review your wound and discuss your progress. We are available by phone during business hours if you have any concerns after returning home.
6. Long-term follow-up
For many hand procedures, referral to a hand therapist is an important part of the recovery process. Structured exercises and, where appropriate, splinting help restore strength and range of motion and protect the repair or release during healing.
We will advise whether formal hand therapy is recommended for your procedure and when it should begin. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your recovery and address any questions as they arise.
Meet our hand surgeons
Why choose us
Choosing the right surgical team for a hand condition matters. Here is what sets us apart.
Experienced surgeons
All five of our hand surgeons are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
This qualification represents the highest standard of surgical training in Australia and New Zealand, and is your assurance that your care is being provided by a surgeon who has completed rigorous specialist training and ongoing professional development.
Full range of hand procedures
From nerve decompression to tendon repair and Dupuytren’s contracture fasciectomy, our team covers the full range of surgical conditions affecting the hand and wrist.
Patients with complex presentations do not need to be referred elsewhere; the expertise to manage them is available within our group.
Multidisciplinary team
Good outcomes from hand surgery depend not only on the procedure itself but also on the rehabilitation that follows.
Our surgeons work alongside hand therapists and Allied Health professionals to ensure you have access to the structured post-operative support your recovery requires, tailored to your specific procedure.
Our reputation speaks volumes
I’ve had a complex medical history due to a fall at work, and out of all of the specialists I’ve seen, he is definitely one of, if not, the best!
Thanks to Dr Tog, I have been able to stop medication I’ve been on for years, I can now eat a dessert on a night out (if I choose to) and my family and I don’t live in fear of me waking in the middle of the night choking on what I’d eaten and/or being unable to breathe because of it. It’s also fantastic to not be hoarse for a couple of days after an episode or aspirating food/acid into my lungs from all of the above. The surgery has been life changing.
I highly recommend Dr Chek Tog to anyone who may require Upper GI advice and/ or surgery.
The icing on the cake for me, is that the reception staff at both his Essendon and Unihill/ Bundoora clinics were amazing. They were some of the most welcoming receptionists I’ve experienced and incredibly helpful- making what could have been a traumatic experience (consultations, dealing with WorkCover, surgery bookings etc.)- a very positive one.
I wish to thank all involved in my recent GI surgical journey (June 26) for their care and professionalism. If I could give 10 stars I would.
There is 2 hour street parking just around the corner in Bridge road.
I always know that when I walk through the door, no matter who I’m seeing, I’m in excellent hands.
I would also like to acknowledge the reception staff, Jenn, Fab, Ros, and Jacqui who consistently demonstrated efficiency, courtesy, and a genuinely empathetic approach.
A wonderful team providing high-quality care in a supportive and friendly environment. Highly recommended.
He has been a godsend. Thank you all x
The surgery went perfectly, and I’ve had a smooth, complication-free recovery. Dr Tog’s professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail have been exceptional. I truly appreciate the care and support I’ve received and couldn’t recommend him highly enough to anyone considering weight-loss surgery.
I would highly recommend the Specialist Surgical Group and the wonderful staff both at Uni Hill and Essendon
The reception staff were also very helpful, I dealt with Jacqui more but both staff members are very friendly and supportive. They managed appointments efficiently and followed up with us regularly, which we truly appreciated.
My husband’s wound has healed exceptionally well and we have experienced no issues at all. We are very satisfied with the professional care provided to us by Chek Tog and his team. We highly recommended.
Now 4 months post-op, I’m feeling great and the operation has been a complete success.
I highly recommend Mr. Tog.
From the very beginning, Dr Tog took the time to explain everything in clear detail, providing both reassurance and confidence at every step. His professionalism, integrity, and calm manner immediately put me at ease. He genuinely cares about his patients, and unlike some past experiences I have had elsewhere, he goes above and beyond to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable before proceeding. If there were any concerns or potential issues, he made it clear he would point them out honestly before taking the next step. That kind of transparency builds trust, and it gave me the peace of mind I needed going into such a significant procedure.
I also want to acknowledge his outstanding team. The reception staff, Jacqui and Ros, deserve special mention for their friendliness, professionalism, and excellent communication. Their clear instructions, timely emails, and helpful phone calls leading up to the surgery made the whole process run smoothly and stress-free. Nothing was ever too much trouble, even when extra steps were required with paperwork, payment and coordination.
Dr Tog also works with a highly skilled anaesthetist and surgical team, and together they delivered an excellent experience from start to finish. I felt completely supported throughout, and I am very grateful for the level of care provided.
Overall, this has been a truly positive experience and I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Chek Heng Tog to anyone facing surgery, no matter how complex. His professionalism, compassion, and patient-first approach are 10/10. I am very thankful for his expertise, the smooth recovery so far, and the outstanding support from his team. This is the kind of surgeon and team that gives patients full confidence they are in the best hands possible.
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(03) 9466 7338Hand surgery FAQ
Yes. A GP referral is required to book an initial consultation. A standard referral is valid for 12 months and entitles you to a Medicare rebate on your consultation fee. If you are not sure which surgeon to see, our reception team can help match you with the right doctor for your condition.
Many hand surgery procedures, including carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, and tendon repair, are listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule and attract a rebate when performed for an appropriate clinical indication. The amount covered depends on the specific procedure performed. For privately insured patients, health fund cover typically applies to the hospital and anaesthesia component, subject to your level of cover and any applicable waiting periods. Detailed cost information will be provided in advance of any procedure.
Most patients notice improvement in tingling and numbness within a few weeks of carpal tunnel release surgery, though full strength and sensation may continue to improve over several months in cases where the nerve compression has been longstanding. Most people return to light hand use within 2 weeks and to heavier tasks within 4-6 weeks. A more specific timeline will be provided based on your individual situation and job requirements.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition in which fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm thickens and shortens over time, eventually pulling one or more fingers into a bent position. It is not painful in most cases, but becomes a problem when the contracture interferes with daily activities such as gripping, shaking hands, or putting the hand flat on a surface. Surgery is generally recommended when a finger cannot be straightened beyond a 30-40 degree bend, or earlier if function is significantly affected.
Trigger finger surgery is considered when the triggering is severe, when the finger is locked in a bent position that cannot be actively straightened, or when a cortisone injection has not provided adequate or lasting relief. Surgery is a well-established treatment option, and most patients experience improvement in the triggering after the procedure.
Tendon repair surgery involves stitching the divided or ruptured ends of the tendon back together under anaesthesia. The technique and the location of the incision depend on the site of the injury in the hand or wrist. After surgery, a protective splint is applied to shield the repair while it heals. Formal hand therapy, beginning a few weeks after the procedure, is essential for achieving a good outcome in terms of strength and finger movement.
In some cases, yes. For example, carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release are sometimes performed together where both conditions are present in the same hand. The suitability of a combined procedure will be discussed with you during your consultation, taking into account the anaesthetic approach, recovery requirements, and the likely outcomes for each procedure.
Located in Essendon & Bundoora
Keilor Road Specialist and Wellness Centre
163 Keilor Road, Essendon, VIC 3040
Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
patient@specialistsurgicalgroup.com.au
(03) 9466 7338
UniHill Specialist Centre
Suite 32, 240 Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083
Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
patient@specialistsurgicalgroup.com.au
(03) 9466 7338
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.