How and when to add dried dates & figs

[hercher]

I'm making a tripel to which I want to add some dried dates & figs (I can't find fresh). I figured I'd add them in secondary. My questions are:

1. How do I add them? Just through them in, or should I chop them up and soak them in a little vodka to sanitize?

2. How do I calculate for the additional sugars?

Thanks for the help!