Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Procedure

Surgery is usually recommended for cases of CTS when other treatments have been unsuccessful to relieve symptoms.

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is known as carpal tunnel decompression or carpal tunnel release surgery and is performed on an outpatient basis. During surgery, the roof of the carpal tunnel (carpal ligament) is cut to reduce pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. A local anaesthetic is used to numb your hand and wrist, but you will remain awake throughout the operation. The surgery can be performed as open surgery, which involves making a single cut in the wrist.

There are no long-term differences in the outcomes of the two approaches. Mr Riaz will be able to discuss the most appropriate method of surgery with you.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Some things may affect your decision to have surgery, including:

  • possible complications after surgery

  • the recovery time

  • how successful non-surgical treatments have been

In most cases, carpal tunnel release surgery provides a complete and permanent cure. However, as with any form of surgery, there's always a small risk of complications.

Reported complications of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  • infection

  • failure to fully separate the roof of the carpal tunnel during surgery, usually resulting in persistent carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms

  • bleeding after the operation

  • nerve injury

  • scarring

  • persistent wrist pain, which may be different from the original symptoms

  • in rare cases, the return of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms long after apparently successful surgery

  • complex regional pain syndrome – a rare but chronic condition that causes burning pain in one of the limbs

AFTER SURGERY

There are a variety of different directions for postoperative care. There's no evidence that one way is better than another, but your surgeon will give you advice. The most common advice after carpal tunnel release surgery is to keep your hand in a bandage for a couple of days, and you may need to wear a sling.

You should keep your hand raised for 48 hours to help reduce any swelling and stiffness in your fingers. Gently exercise your fingers, shoulder and elbow to help prevent stiffness. You may be able to start these gentle exercises on the day of your operation.

After having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, you can use your hand to do light activities that don't cause excessive pain or discomfort.

Try to avoid using your hand for more taxing activities until it is completely recovered, which may take several weeks.