I beg to differ. Neither procedure can guarantee lasting results. Let's take *worst* case scenario: Let's say that compared to traditional invasive surgery, cases treated with NA have *twice* the rate of reoccurrence. (The French, who have done thousands of these procedure do not report this, however. See:http://www.dupuytren.org/html/gbefficace.html). The money, time and pain from the recovery of *one* traditional surgery is probably equivalent to the recovery of five or ten NA procedures. No compairison. Also, once surgery is done, NA may become impossible. NA can be repeated indefinitely, surgery can't. Three times and you're all done.

I understand your reluctance to embrace a procedure that is currently outside the mainstream of American Medical practice. However, I suspect that if you have surgery just once and have an *average* recovery, you'll be more likely to ignore the knee jerk advice that surgery is "the only way." It's just aint so.

after just having successful n/a with Dr. Eaton last week, I am wearing splints at night and of course staying away from g/c and msm..he prescribed colchicine to try and slow the growing back process. I would like to know if anyone has tried and does it work?? I plan on going back to Florida and having more cords worked on. This procedure is not a cure, just a fantastic alternative to traditional surgery with probably better results, no recovery time, and certainly doesn't make it worse..having the procedure is an on going process. I do know of people who have had n/a and it was close to perfection with no regrowth and a straight hand..we have all different degrees of dups but there is no thought of ever having traditional surgery again...twice and horrible results...I will know more after 6 months and see what kind of regrowth I have...absolutely no problem in going back to Dr. Eaton for additional procedure if necessary. Once you met Dr.Eaton and staff you will have the confidence that we all have once the procedure is done. Good wishes to all...

Hi Chet,

It's always great to have an md here - you're all so suspicious....everyone one of you uses the word 'anicdotal'....can't say I blame you though...there does need to be a proper study done. :-)

Despite that - NA truly works - no it's not a one time cure - the DC will probably come back - as it does with surgery - but NA is a great way around the scaring and trauma that surgery leaves and for that NA is tops in my book.

Here's my sales pitch....As an md though....you have access to lots of important people...like hand surgeons. If you chose NA are and happy....can you spread the word to your hand surgeon? others? It takes one week for an experienced hand surgeon to be trained (Paris) then they can earn $500/finger like Dr. Eaton does...big bucks if you ask me...then people like ourselves will have greater access to the procedure...and eventually....someone will do a North American study so folks like yourself don't have to hesitate. Thanks for listening.

God Bless and take care.

Frances

And Open Heart surgery can be incredibly successful as well, as it appears President Clinton's was. But I'll bet you dollars to all those *donuts* he liked to eat, if angeoplastie been sufficient to do the trick, the trauma of open heart would never been imposed on him. Though our *lives* are not on the line here, I see a strong correlation between those two Cardio procedures and Traditional Dups Surgery vs NA. Both have their place, with the less invasive the being first line of defense before more draconian measure are required. It's not "Eithor Or", but less invasive-------> more invasive as needed.