Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, Benefits and Side Effects

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes compression of the median nerve. A little aperture on the palm called the carpal tunnel is ringed by bones and ligaments. Arm and hand weakness as well as numbness and tingling are signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.

A proper course of treatment can reduce the symptoms like tingling and numbness and help in the proper functioning of the wrist and hand.

During Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery, the ligament putting strain on the median nerve is removed. This surgery helps to release pressure. There are two distinct methods for doing the surgery: endoscopic surgery and open surgery.

Summary- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery is a surgical procedure to relieve the compressed median nerve.

It must be noted that there are mainly two types of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, which are defined as follows:

It can be called the most invasive procedure for treating carpal tunnel syndrome because it involves a larger incision or cut. This incision usually measures up to two inches, which is from the wrist to the palm.

This surgery can be the best treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it is nothing like the case that this surgery is the only option to cure the condition.

In this procedure, the surgeon first makes an incision in the patient's wrist. They can also make another incision in the arm. These cuts are usually smaller than those of an open surgery and measure about half an inch each.

In other words, small incisions are made in the patient's wrist or hand, through which the surgeon inserts a small camera in order to locate the damaged nerve or tissue and resolve the issue.

Summary- The two main types of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery are: endoscopic surgery and open surgery.

• The surgery relieves the excruciating pain affecting the hand and wrist
• It improves the dexterity or functioning of the hand
• It enhances the ability to perform regular wrist movements
• It relieves the constant pressure
• The surgery also prevents further nerve damage that may result from untreated nerve compressio

Summary- Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery helps to relieve pain, and pressure, prevents nerve damage and improves the functioning of the hand.

The nerve compression can be relieved through carpal tunnel syndrome surgery. This is the carpal tunnel syndrome therapy that works the best. Surgery can help to relieve pain, and night awakenings and provide better sensation. It is typically advised in severe situations, particularly when non-surgical therapy is ineffective.

A doctor might advise carpal tunnel release surgery for the following reasons:

• The pain is not relieved by nonsurgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms have persisted for at least six months without improving.
• If a median nerve electromyography test is used to make the diagnosis.
• Weakening of muscles due to extreme pinching of the median nerve.

Summary- Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is done to treat the compressed median nerve and to reduce the symptoms.

Carpal tunnel release surgery is basically an operation or a surgical procedure for treating individuals suffering from this condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This surgery is usually performed when non-surgical treatments such as ice, wrist splints, and pain relievers fail to relieve the symptoms.

While this surgery may help many patients get better, there are several risks associated with it, like with any other surgical procedure. The risks associated with carpal tunnel release syndrome include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Damage and injury to the median nerve or the nerves branching out from it
• Scarring or bruising
• Injury to surrounding blood vessels

Summary- The risks of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery are: infection, injury, bruising and pain.

To be ready for surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, follow the directions provided:

• Give up smoking.
• Inform your doctor about any supplements and multivitamins you are taking, as well as the drugs you are taking.
• Blood tests and electrocardiogram (ECG) should be done before the surgery.
• Stop using blood thinners such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen.
• Avoid eating or drinking for at least six hours before the operation.

Summary- You should stop taking any medicines, food items and cigarettes before the surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery can be done in the following two ways:

Endoscopic Surgery: In this method, the surgeon uses an endoscope to look inside the carpal tunnel. Then the surgeon will cut the ligament by making small incisions. Sometimes the tool that slices the ligament is guided by ultrasound rather than a telescope. This surgery causes less pain than open surgery.

Open Surgery: To release the nerve during open surgery, the surgeon makes a cut through the ligament in the carpal tunnel.

Summary- During carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, some incisions are made on the palm to relieve the compressed nerve.

• You may need to undergo several tests, including ECG and blood tests
• You need to tell your doctor about all the medications that you currently taken
• You must quit smoking as it can decelerate the healing process after surgery
• You must stop taking any painkillers or blood thinners
• You may have to stop eating or drinking anything for several hours before the surgery

Summary- Before the procedure, you should finish all the tests and abstain from food and liquids.

• Your surgeon will make a small or minor incision in your hand, more specifically in the palm
• This cut will be made over your carpal tunnel ligament
• The surgeon will then cut through the ligament to relieve the median nerve pressure
• This surgery may be carried out by making just one incision on the palm side of your wrist
• A surgeon can also make several small incisions in some cases

Summary- During the surgery, the doctor makes small incisions or one big incision over the carpal tunnel to cut the ligament and release the median nerve.

• Your wrist will most likely be in a splint or heavy bandage for a couple of weeks, or even more in some cases
• Your doctor or healthcare provider will schedule another appointment to remove this bandage
• Your doctor may encourage you to move your fingers during this time in order to help prevent stiffness
• Your doctor may ask you to get plenty of rest and sleep for a speedy recovery
• You will also be asked to keep yourself away from any strenuous activities until you have completely recovered

Summary- You should avoid any strenuous activity and take proper rest after the surgery.

The cost of an endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery in India can range between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 60,000.

However, this cost is merely for reference purposes and should not be considered a standard cost. The best thing you can do in this regard is to get in touch with our team of experts and get the precise cost of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery in India.

Summary- Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery may cost up to Rs 60000.

• Take ample rest, especially when you feel exhausted
• Try to walk every day without skipping
• Avoid pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy objects until you recover completely
• You may start doing heavier tasks a month (or more) after the surgery
• Eat healthy and nutritious food to expedite the recovery process
• Get enough sleep every day, especially at night
• You may take a shower 24 to 48 hours after the surgery if your doctor says it is okay
• Take good care of yourself
• Avoid stressing out your body or mind
• Be positive and have patience

Summary- You should take a nutritious diet, avoid exhaustive activities and take proper rest after the surgery.

• Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, etc.
• Foods rich in vitamins B6 and B12, such as bananas, salmon, soybeans, eggs, tuna, and so forth
• Fish oil capsules are also recommended
• Turmeric or curcumin
• Avoid alcoholic beverages
• Avoid eating too much fried or salty food
• Avoid consuming simple or bad carbohydrates
• Avoid consuming empty calories
• You must eat what your doctor recommends

Summary- You should take a diet rich in omega fatty acid, vitamins and antioxidants after the carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

You must know that the general success rate for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is very high. A recent study suggests that between 75% and 90% of carpal tunnel syndrome surgeries have successfully treated the condition.

An open surgery reduces pressure that has been exerted on the median nerve due to certain factors. It essentially helps to reduce or alleviate the tingling sensation or pain in the wrists and hands.

Moreover, it can be said that carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is very safe as well as effective, especially when conducted by a skilled and experienced surgeon, like one of those available at Pristyn Care.

Summary- Yes, carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is absolutely safe.

Like most surgeries, carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is also not free from pain or certain risks. However, this pain can be conveniently managed or alleviated by taking some painkillers or other medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.

This typically means that your wrist will be made numb by your healthcare provider during the (surgical) procedure. Later, you may be given some sleep-inducing medications as well as pain relievers to help you not feel the intensity of the pain.

Summary- You may experience little pain after carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

The recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery can take anywhere from several weeks to a couple of months (or even more in some cases).

If it was a long-held nerve compression, the process of recovery may also take longer. Moreover, the recovery process involves splinting the wrist as well as getting physical therapy in order to strengthen and heal the hand and wrist as soon as possible.

Summary- After carpal tunnel surgery, recovery could take one or two months.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury or damage to the median nerve
• Injury or damage to surrounding or nearby blood vessels
• A sensitive scar

Note: All the above-mentioned side effects can be greatly minimized or even eliminated if the surgery is carried out by expert doctors or surgeons, such as those available at Pristyn Care.

Summary- The side effects of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery are: infection, bleeding, scars, and injury.

• Keep a check on your incisions
• Eat healthy and nutritious food
• Do not smoke or consume tobacco in any form
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages
• Avoid doing any strenuous activity
• Do not push, pull, or lift heavy objects
• Do not stress out your body or mind
• Take ample rest
• Sleep well, especially at night
• Discuss your condition and recovery with your doctor on a regular basis

Summary- Post-treatment guidelines for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery are: take a healthy diet, quit smoking and drinking and avoid any strenuous activities.

The most prevalent condition affecting peripheral nerves is carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS. One of the best treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome is surgery. Thanks to this short operation, patients can regain their quality of life and completely eliminate it.