Are there any side effects or things i should be aware of such as permanent loss of dexterity after hand surgery for trigger finger (pinky finger)?

Not usual: Release of band in trigger finger is relatively simple surgery and should not cause' loss of dexterity ' how ever if unexpected infections etc sets in may result in loss of dexterity, ask your surgeon, risks and benefits of surgery.

No: It's a very common, simple and effective surgical treatment. The only potential serious complication is laceration of the digital artery or nerve. This procedure has excellent results, especially when performed by a hand surgeon.

Not common: Although not common any operation runs the risk if swelling infection bleeding and stiffness as well as nerve and tendon irritation, while possible these things are uncommon in the scenario you describe. However preoperative stiffness, tightness in the finger ie less than full excursion, arthritis in the joint near or over the tendon can complicate recovery even in a so called "simple" procedure.

No: Trigger finger surgery is highly successful and i would not expect any loss of dexterity.