Benign nerve tumours in the upper limb: a registry-based study of symptoms and surgical outcome

Surgery for benign nerve tumours is performed for pathoanatomical diagnosis and symptomatic relief, but might cause residual problems. We aimed to assess patient-reported symptoms and disability before and after surgery at a national level. In total, 206 cases surgically treated for a benign peripheral nerve tumour 2010–2019 registered in the Swedish Quality Registry for Hand Surgery (HAKIR; response rates 22–34%) were analysed. Surgery reduced overall disability in the affected limb (QuickDASH 18/100 [IQR 5–36] preoperatively and 5/100 [IQR 0–22] 12 months postoperatively), improved ability to perform daily activities (HQ-8; 11/100 [IQR 0–50] preoperatively and 0/100 [IQR 0–20] 12 months postoperatively) and decreased three evaluated pain modalities: pain at rest (HQ-8; 20/100 [IQR 0–40] preoperatively and 0/100 [IQR 0–10] 12 months postoperatively), pain on motion without load (HQ-8; 20/100 [IQR 0–40] preoperatively and 0/100 [IQR 0–10] 12 months postoperatively), and pain on load (HQ-8; 24/100 [IQR 1–69] preoperatively and 1/100 [IQR 0–30] 12 months postoperatively). Cold sensitivity was a minor problem both before and after surgery (HQ-8; 0/100 [IQR 0–30] preoperatively and 1/100 [IQR 0–40] 12 months postoperatively). We conclude that surgery for benign peripheral nerve tumours provides good symptomatic relief with low risk for residual problems.