Carpal Tunnel - How Endoscopic Surgery is Beneficial?

The carpal tunnel is the passageway for the median nerve to pass through on the inner side of your hand, when your palms are facing down. For example, while typing, there is a lot of movement of the fingers and this puts a lot of pressure on this tunnel. In fact, people who are involved in a lot of typing are one of the most prone people for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Other causes would include trauma, fractures, etc., where the tunnel is injured.

Conventional measures to treat CTS included a combination of exercise and pain killers in mild to moderate cases. In moderate (sometimes) to severe cases, surgery was also done. However, with advancements in medical technology, endoscopic surgical procedure is gaining popularity.

What is done?
In endoscopic surgery, a small incision is made in the wrist or one each in the palm and the wrist. Through this, a flexible tube with a camera and minute cutting tools are inserted into the wrist. Another ligament known as transverse carpal ligament is cut. This reduces the pressure on the median nerve, which provides relief from the CTS symptoms.

What to expect as benefits?
The intention behind the surgery remains the same in both traditional and endoscopic procedures. The pressure on the median nerve is released, restoring movement and reducing pain in the joints. In addition, the endoscopic procedure has the following benefits.

1. Less invasive: Needless to say, there are only one or two small incisions done for this procedure, so less surrounding tissue is damaged.
2. Same day surgery: No hospitalization is required, and unless required, the patient can return home on the same day of surgery.
3. Reduced recovery time: The recovery period is usually substantially less compared to the traditional surgical approach.
4. Back to work: Depending on which is your dominant hand, you would be able to return to your regular work earlier than with regular surgery. If your non-dominant hand is involved, a day or two of rest is required. If your dominant hand was involved, give it up to four weeks for complete recovery.
5. Reduced chances of nerve injury: The area of operation has many nerves and blood vessels, and endoscopic surgery reduces the chances of damaging adjacent nerves.
6. Anesthesia: This is done under local anesthesia. Therefore, complications arising out of general anesthesia are completely avoided.

Indications
While these sound promising, your doctor will decide if you are a candidate for endoscopic procedure depending on the following:

• Nonsurgical treatment including exercise and pain killers have not provided relief, even after several months.
• Severe symptoms including those of nerve damage, like loss of sensation, altered coordination, etc., is affecting your normal daily routine.
• Person requiring bilateral surgery like severe trauma, wheelchair dependent, etc.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!