Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal tunnel release surgery is not advised for pregnant patients because the condition may be solved by itself after birth. Patients who experience other life-threatening circumstances or incompatibility with general anesthesia are also not suitable. Some circumstances that can make this incompatibility are morbid obesity, cardiovascular, and, and lung diseases. 

Patients should have a proper understanding of the method and what can be achieved. After the surgery, symptoms may somewhat continue in patients who experience severe carpal tunnel syndrome. For mild levels, other less invasive ways can be used.

The surgery duration will take 1 hour.

Before the surgery number of tests involving a nerve conduction study and electromyography should be done.

Depending on the patients and the complexity of the operation, local or general anesthesia will be given. Then, the doctor will form an incision to the base of the patient's palm, separate the transverse carpal ligament and close the incision with stitches. Scar tissue will form where the transverse carpal ligament has been cut, effectively making it longer. 

Similarly, the only distinction of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is the endoscope for working inside the patient’s wrist. Because smaller incisions are enough for this method, patients will recover faster. 

While recovery of the dominant hand lasts 6 to 12 weeks, recovery of the non-dominant hand lasts around 2 weeks. Inflammation, pain, and lack of strength in hand may be experienced throughout the recovery period.

Complications of carpal tunnel surgery are uncommon, but they can still occur in some cases: 

● Scarring 

● Tenderness around the incision site 

● Nerve damage 

● Return of symptoms after 3 months 

● Limited hand function

Side effects of carpal tunnel surgery can involve:

● Pain 

● Discomfort 

● Temporary lack of strength in the operated hand 

● Bruising

According to patient reviews, relief of symptoms after carpal tunnel surgery is found to be above 90%.

After the surgery, the majority of the patients inform fewer or no symptoms, yet in particular situations, numbness, and pain may return. Besides, the limited functionality of the hand is experienced by some for 3 months.

– How long does carpal tunnel surgery take? 

The procedure takes around an hour. 

– When will I be able to drive? 

You will be able to drive after 1-2 days.

– When will I be able to write? 

You will be able to write comfortably after about 5 weeks.