Pictured above: Dalvi Humzah
Midlands' cosmetic surgeon and former C4 'Dispatches' expert
Dalvi Humzah is the first in the West Midlands to offer a new
injectable treatment for the hand condition Dupuytren's
contracture.
Mr Humzah's private practice, Plastic and Dermatological Surgery
(PDS), is the only clinic in the region to introduce Xiapex®
(Collagenase clostridium histolyticum) - the first UK licensed
injectable treatment for Dupuytren's contracture in adult patients
with a palpable cord.
The non-surgical procedure is the only pharmacological treatment
for sufferers of Dupuytren's disease - a slowly progressive
condition affecting the layer of connective tissue in the palm of
the hand and fingers.
As the disease progresses - where excess collagen builds up and
eventually forms into a rope-like cord under the skin - the cords
from the palm into the finger can gradually pull the finger
permanently towards the palm; this is known as Dupuytren's
contracture.
At his clinic, Mr Humzah can now administer a local injection -
containing a combination of two enzymes that work by breaking down
the structure of the cord - and 24 hours after injection, a simple
procedure can be carried out to help straighten the finger.
If contracture remains after treatment, another injection may be
required, and the finger extension procedure can be repeated.
Mr Humzah says a new treatment that provides an alternative
option to surgery is important news for those affected by
Dupuytren's.
He said: ""This is a major advancement in the treatment of
Dupuytren's disease and with FDA approval in the US already, it is
has now been fully licensed in the UK.
"Until now, sufferers of this disease had no option but surgery.
Now, people have the opportunity to experience less downtime from
prolonged recovery by undergoing a non-surgical option to prevent
any loss of hand functionality.
"With the disease affecting up to 20 per cent of men who are
over 60 years of age, and 20 per cent of women over 80 years of age
according to the latest statistics from the NHS, a non-surgical
treatment will be welcomed by all sufferers.
"Importantly, as the UK aging population continues to increase,
so does the occurrence of Dupuytren's disease.
"Dupuytren's contracture can significantly impact on a person's
quality of life, interfering with everyday tasks, including
dressing, washing, driving and shaking hands. Alongside this, it
has a significant effect on a person's confidence and their
relationships with people.
"With a much more convenient and non-invasive treatment, we're
expecting to see an increase in people, who may be suffering in
silence, coming forward for treatment."
Treatment is available on request from Mr Humzah's practices in
Wolverhampton, Halesowen, Cheltenham and Worcester.
Xiapex® is supplied and developed by Pfizer Limited, a
leading pharmaceutical company based in Surrey that works with
customers, including the NHS, to provide a wide range of medicines
to the UK healthcare market.