Carpal Tunnel Release

There are two types of carpal tunnel release surgery, one performed with an endoscope (a tiny camera) and one performed without. In the endoscopic version, your surgeon will make one or two small incisions in your wrist and insert the endoscope, so an image of the inside of your wrist can be displayed on a monitor for your surgeon to see. Then, your surgeon will cut the carpal ligament, taking the pressure off your nerve, from underneath. When the surgery is done without an endoscope, your surgeon cuts a 2-inch incision on your wrist and then cuts the carpal ligament.

A procedure that involves a smaller incision and a less-invasive technique, shortening recovery time.

You may be a good candidate for carpal tunnel release surgery if nonsurgical remedies, such as wrist splints and medication, haven’t relieved your pain. Your doctor might also recommend surgery if your symptoms have lasted longer than six months. Another indication that surgery might be the right solution is that the muscles in your hand and wrist are weakening.

While unusual, some of the possible complications of carpal tunnel surgery include bleeding, infection, injury to the nerves in the wrist or the blood vessels around it, persistent numbness and tingling, pain in the area of the incision (this is less common with endoscopic surgery), a sensitive scar, and recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Alternatives to carpal tunnel surgery include hand and wrist stretches, increased physical activity, weight loss, quitting smoking, night splints, injections, and medications.

Carpal tunnel release surgery has a high success rate in relieving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

You don’t need a referral to see a surgeon about carpal tunnel release surgery. 

You can always get a second or third opinion, but it isn’t required. 

Your health history will be compiled and available to the team before, during, and after surgery. If you’re a Hancock Health patient, we will be able to access your records within our system. If you aren’t, we will work with your doctors to get the necessary information.

Your surgical team will evaluate the situation and help you make a choice that’s right for you and your health. Temporary treatments might be used if your surgery is rescheduled.

Consult the price transparency tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much carpal tunnel surgery might cost.

Medicare parts A and B will cover the cost of your carpal tunnel release surgery, but it’s important for your doctor to indicate that the procedure is medically necessary.

Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your surgery and tell your medical team about all of the medications you are taking, including vitamins, supplements, and blood thinners. Your medical team might recommend you stop taking medications—aspirin and ibuprofen included—that make it harder for your blood to clot. If you’re a smoker, try to quit before your procedure, as smoking can delay healing. You might also be asked to get blood tests or an electrocardiogram before surgery.

You’ll arrive several hours before your surgery and be escorted to the preoperative waiting area. You’ll remove your clothing and jewelry, and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to a family member.)  You’ll sign any necessary paperwork and a preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your medications, and answer any questions. You’ll meet your anesthesiologist and the members of your surgery team.  An I.V. (intravenous line) will be placed in your hand or arm, so medications—including general anesthesia—can be administered. If you’re using a different kind of anesthesia, you’ll receive an injection. When it’s time for your surgery, you will be wheeled into the operating suite on a stretcher.

In addition to the surgeon, you have an anesthesiologist, nurses—some of them specialize in working with patients and others assist the surgeon—and support staff, who get you checked in and out, compile your records, and more. They all work together, performing their individual jobs, so the procedure is as successful as possible.

Anything you’ll need for an overnight stay, including a change of underwear, a sweatshirt, glasses or contacts, headphones, and your medications. You probably will not be there overnight, but it’s a good idea to be prepared.

You will be anesthetized, and then your surgeon will cut the ligament around the carpal tunnel in your wrist to take the pressure off your nerve. Then, your surgeon will close the incision with stitches, and your hand and wrist will be bandaged and placed in a splint.

A carpal tunnel surgery typically takes about 15 minutes, but patients usually spend about 45 minutes in the operating suite.

While the length of a hospital stay depends on each patient’s individual needs, patients are typically discharged within a few hours following the procedure.

After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will stay until you’re ready for discharge. The amount of time you are in recovery depends on the type of anesthesia and pain medication you receive.

You’ll be able to talk to your surgeon immediately after your carpal tunnel procedure, while you’re in the recovery room.

Most carpal tunnel surgery patients receive pain medication immediately following surgery. 

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to ease any discomfort associated with the procedure. 

Make sure you have groceries for when you arrive home from your carpal tunnel surgery. If you live alone, you may want to arrange for a friend or family member to check in with you.

Your doctor may recommend you begin physical therapy in one to two weeks after the stitches from your carpal tunnel surgery are removed. Our associates will help you arrange the postoperative care you’ll need.

Your doctor will remove the stitches from your carpal tunnel surgery in one to two weeks following your procedure. Depending on the type of procedure you had, you will have either two one-half-inch scars or a two-inch scar. Over time, any scarring will fade.

If you have an emergency following your procedure, call your surgeon’s office. If you’re in need of immediate emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room.