Carpal tunnel release surgery is a successful medical procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve, treat the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and restore wrist mobility and function. There are different types of surgery available, and your doctor will discuss with you the recommended pathway for your condition. We understand that any kind of medical procedure can be overwhelming, which is why we have multi-disciplinary teams on hand to support you at every stage. We are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable patient experience at all times.

 Choosing your hospital

Deciding where to have your carpal tunnel release surgery is extremely important, and you should take some time to research your options carefully. Ask your doctor for some recommendations and use the opportunity to find out any relevant information such as how the surgery works, and the benefits and risks associated with the procedure. Look for hospitals that have strong expertise and experience in treating carpal tunnel syndrome and performing carpal tunnel release. Once you are happy with your decision, you can book a consultation appointment with your chosen specialist.

Specialist consultation

Your specialist will conduct a thorough medical examination and gather information about your general health as well as test your nerve to measure how well it is working. You may be required to have some extra imaging such as an X-Ray, MRI scan or ultrasound. All this information will help your doctor understand the severity of your carpal tunnel syndrome, whether any other parts of your body may be affected and the most appropriate treatment pathway. Your consultation can also be used to answer any questions you may have, such as what type of procedure will be performed, the benefits and risks of carpal tunnel surgery, and what you can expect your recovery to look like. Once your doctor has advised on a course of treatment, you can begin to prepare for your hospital admission and surgery.

 Preparation and admission

Your doctor will talk to you about what you need to do to prepare for carpal tunnel release surgery. This may include taking or stopping any prescribed medications such as blood thinners. Preparing for you discharge in advance of the operation will help with your recovery. As your hand will be bandaged and in a splint after surgery, you will need to organise some transport home, and you may want some help for a few days with meal preparation and daily tasks until you are feeling better – especially if both hands are affected. When you arrive at hospital, our team will make sure you are comfortable, and your hand orthopaedic specialist will visit you to answer any final questions.

 The surgery

On the day of your carpal tunnel release surgery, it is important to follow your surgeon’s fasting advice to prevent any delays to your procedure. Once at hospital, your anaesthetist will talk to you about the type of anaesthetic to be used and the procedure involved. Carpal tunnel release surgery can be performed in different ways, and your surgeon will talk to you about what will happen during the procedure. The operation itself usually takes around 20 minutes. A small cut is made in the palm of your hand, and the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel is cut to release pressure on the nerve. After surgery, the symptoms are unlikely to return in most cases.

 Your recovery

After surgery, you will be encouraged to keep your hand above your heart to help reduce the swelling. Moving your fingers around soon after the operation will help prevent any stiffness and will reduce the risk of scar tissue forming. Many patients find that the night-time symptoms improve dramatically in the first few weeks after carpal tunnel release. Any pain after surgery can usually be managed with ice and pain relief medication. Patients are likely to be discharged the same day with a personalised rehabilitation program.

 Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation program after carpal tunnel release will vary by patient and depend on the severity of the condition coming into the surgery. If the nerve has been compressed for some time, the recovery period will be significantly longer and the symptoms may not fully disappear. After surgery, you will need to wear a hand splint for a couple of weeks, and you will be encouraged to start hand therapy as soon as the carpal tunnel symptoms have subsided. By following your rehabilitation program and carpal tunnel exercises, any numbness and tingling should dissipate in the first few months and your gripping strength should return in 2-3 months. A full recovery could take up to 6 months but in more severe cases, normal sensation may not return for up to 12 months. Talk to your doctor about a safe return to work.