Keeping the hand elevated in a sling for 2 days will also help settle the pain. Some discomfort is normal for the first few days which is easily relieved with oral analgesics.Local anesthetic is used at the end of the procedure so that you have pain relief for the following 6-8 hours.You may notice some bruising, which will fade in 4-5 days. Your hand will be in a bulky bandage with a sling to wear at home.This procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes and you will be able to go home a few hours later. The incision is sutured and dressings applied. Whichever you choose, you will be very comfortable and experience no pain during the surgery.ĭuring the procedure, an incision is made over the wrist, the median nerve and its branches are carefully protected while the ligament (flexor retinaculum) is divided to release the compressed nerve. If your procedure is in the afternoon – do not eat or drink anything after 8.00am.Ĭarpal tunnel release surgery is performed under general anesthetic or a light sedation with local anesthetic.If your procedure is in the morning – do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before.We will guide you to prepare for surgery so that your procedure and recovery go smoothly. Inform us immediately if you’ve had any infection (cold or flu) the week before your surgery.Avoid smoking before and after surgery so as not to restrict circulation to the area and delay healing.Inform your surgeon if you take any herbal medicines that may affect clotting and the anesthetic.Panadol, and vitamins B and C are safe to use. Avoid pain relievers and Vitamin E two weeks before surgery.To reduce risk of bleeding and bruising please make sure to: Please ensure you have arranged someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out at home for a few days. We will provide as much information as possible so that you feel comfortable and informed. Your surgeon will often arrange for nerve conduction studies to be performed to confirm the diagnosis prior to surgery. What’s the first step?ĭuring your first consultation your surgeon will discuss what you’d like to achieve, any expectations you have, questions about the procedure, medical history and current medication. In the vast majority of patients, results are often life-long however very occasionally some patients may having recurring symptoms a few years after surgery. Most patients experience immediate improvement in their symptoms although this varies between patients. These include conditions of the cervical spine or other common hand or wrist issues. Your surgeon will also make sure that other conditions that mimic carpal tunnel syndrome are ruled out. Those who have had diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome, which can be caused by repetitive hand movements in certain occupations, age, pregnancy, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease. This is a very common, safe and reliable procedure, which aims to release the compressed nerve in the wrist, provide relief and reduce any further nerve damage. weakness, clumsiness or difficulty handling fine objects.pain, often worse at night which can wake the person.pins and needles in the thumb or other fingers.This ligament (flexor retinaculum) can thicken and compress the nerve and lead to:

The median nerve is found near the tendons that flex the thumb and fingers and is held down by a tight ligament over the wrist bone.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery What is carpal tunnel syndrome?Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome results from nerve compression at the wrist which can cause pain and discomfort.

Surgery carpal tunnel