One of the two English-language reports on the results of surgery for trigger finger reported frequent complications and poor results and the other, few complications and good results. We reviewed 72 patients with 84 operated digits 8(1/2) (7-11) years after surgery. One patient was re-operated because of persisting symptoms, and another had a moderate recurrence. There were two transitory neuropraxias, but no permanent nerve damage could be detected. It was concluded that in cases where symptoms persist after steroid injection, surgery may be recommended. However, the risk of troublesome complications, even after this minor operation, should be borne in mind.