Everyday activities like holding objects, typing and even writing can become challenging for those with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It frequently results in hand and finger numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness, which makes it difficult to move or grasp objects correctly.
One method indicated for relieving these problems is carpal tunnel release surgery. The disease arises when the median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel, a tiny opening in your wrist, is compressed by wrist swelling. To relieve pain and restore appropriate hand movement, the surgeon makes a little incision during the procedure to remove the pressure. Your daily life may significantly improve as a result, enabling you to resume your comfortable activities.
Why the CTS Procedure Is Performed / Purpose of CTS Surgery / Why Might I Need Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal tunnel release surgery is performed to relieve pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand and fingers caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. It is suggested when other treatments fail.
-
Reduces pressure on the median nerve.
-
Eases pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand.
-
Restores hand strength and grip.
-
Prevents permanent nerve damage.
-
Helps improve daily life.
If treatments do not work, surgeons may check the median nerve's electrical activity with an EMG. If there is a serious problem, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended. Surgery is usually done sooner if your hand and wrist muscles are shrinking due to nerve compression.
Types of Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
There are two main types of carpal tunnel release surgery:
Open Carpal Tunnel Release | Surgical Procedure - The surgeon makes a small cut in the palm close to the wrist.
- The transverse carpal ligament is severed to alleviate pressure on the median nerve.
Advantages - Provides a direct view of the carpal tunnel for better observation of structures.
- Typically regarded as simpler with a reduced number of technical issues.
Disadvantages - Recovery duration is longer in comparison to endoscopic surgery.
- A bigger scar, which may result in increased post-operative pain and a prolonged healing time
|
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release | Surgical Procedure - The surgeon makes a small cut in the wrist.
- A tiny camera is inserted.
- The surgeon views the inside of the wrist on a video display.
- The transverse carpal ligament is cut.
Advantages - Smaller cuts result in reduced post-operative discomfort and scarring.
- There is a possibility of quicker recovery and a faster return to regular activities.
Disadvantages - Greater technical difficulty requires specialized tools and training.
- A restricted view of the surgical area could increase the risk of incomplete ligament release or damage to nearby structures.
|
What Can You Do If The Surgery Doesn't Help Enough?
Surgery does not always provide the desired amount of relief. Symptoms may continue or reappear, making it difficult to estimate how effective surgery will be. This is often determined by how long someone has experienced symptoms, their severity, and other health conditions.
Several reasons may explain why surgery might not have the desired results. The condition could be too advanced, leaving permanent nerve damage that surgery cannot fix. There may also have been an incorrect diagnosis, meaning the wrong problem was treated. In addition, if there was an error during surgery or the transverse carpal ligament was not completely cut, symptoms may remain or increase.
If serious symptoms persist after surgery, consult a doctor for further examination and the potential of an additional operation.
Why Might I Need Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically the only cause for carpal tunnel surgery, but doctors frequently recommend attempting nonsurgical treatments first. Over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, modifying workplace equipment, wearing wrist splints, and steroid injections in the wrist can all be used to relieve discomfort.
-
nonsurgical therapies include:
-
Physical Therapy
-
Changes in the work equipment
-
Wrist splint
-
Steroid injections in the wrist to alleviate edema and pain
Reasons To Recommend Surgery:
-
Nonsurgical treatments do not alleviate pain.
-
Electromyography and nerve conduction studies corroborate the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
-
Weakness and shrinking of hand or wrist muscles due to median nerve pinching.
-
Symptoms persist for a long time without relief.
Before the Procedure
-
Inform your surgeon about all medications you are taking, including supplements and herbs without prescriptions.
-
You may need to stop blood-thinning medications temporarily, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
-
Consult with your surgeon about which drugs are safe to take on the day of surgery.
-
If you smoke, try to quit and seek help from your doctor, as smoking might impede recovery.
-
Notify your surgeon if you have a cold, the flu, or a fever, as surgery may be postponed.
On The Day Of Surgery:
-
Follow instructions on eating or drinking before the procedure.
-
Take any required medications with a small sip of water.
-
Adhere to the instructions regarding arrival time at the hospital and make sure to arrive on time.
After the Procedure
The procedure is performed as an outpatient, therefore you will not need to stay in the hospital. After surgery, your wrist will be in a splint or bandage for about a week. You should maintain it clean and dry until your first follow-up appointment with the surgeon. After the bandage is removed, you will start motion exercises or a hand therapy program.
Risks of Surgery
-
Surgery includes risks, similar to most surgeries.
-
Wrist will be numbed, possibly with local anesthesia; general anesthesia may also be used.
-
Anesthesia risks for some individuals.
Potential Risks Include:
-
Bleeding
-
Infection
-
Injury to the median nerve or related nerves
-
Injury to nearby blood vessels
-
Sensitive scar
-
Possibility of more surgery needed
Recovery Process
-
Recovery may take several weeks to months.
-
Extended recovery time if nerve compression was prolonged.
-
Recovery includes wrist splinting and physical therapy.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery Time
Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery often takes three to four months for full healing and up to a year for complete hand strength to return. However, each patient's recovery process may differ. Recovery is influenced by the type of surgery performed (open or endoscopic), the severity of the carpal tunnel syndrome, and the individual's overall health.
General Benefits After Carpal Tunnel Surgery
After surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, patients often see immediate improvement in their symptoms and have a relatively quick recovery.
Benefits After Surgery:
-
Decreased Pain.
-
Treatment decompresses the median nerve and surrounding tendons.
-
Relieves pressure and pain in the affected area.
-
Reduction of Tingling.
-
The tingling sensation disappears when pressure is removed.
-
Decreased Numbness.
-
Blood circulation and pressure are restored post-treatment.
-
Reduces numbness experienced due to carpal tunnel syndrome.
-
Restoration of Muscle Strength.
-
Improves ability to perform activities like gripping and pressing.
-
Regains normal finger mobility after median nerve decompression.
Risks of Surgery:
-
Allergic reactions can occur due to medication
-
Bleeding Can happen during or after procedures
-
Risk of infection after medical procedures
-
Symptoms may include redness, swelling, or fever
-
Injury to the median nerve or nerves that branch off of it may lead to complications
-
Weakness and numbness around the hand can affect hand function
-
In rare cases, injury to another nerve or blood vessel (artery or vein)
-
Other nerves or blood vessels can be impacted
-
The scar can occur at the site of the procedure
-
Worsening pain after the procedure
-
Some patients may experience increased pain
Prognosis
Carpal tunnel release surgery helps reduce pain, nerve tingling, and numbness while restoring muscle strength. Most patients benefit from this procedure. Recovery time varies based on how long symptoms were present before surgery and the extent of damage to the median nerve. If symptoms are long-lasting, complete resolution may not be possible after recovery.
Why Choose Artemis Hospital for CTS Surgery
Artemis Hospital is known for its excellent services in CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) surgery, featuring skilled surgeons and modern facilities that focus on patient care. They use minimally invasive methods for quicker recovery and less pain. With advanced diagnostic tools and custom treatment plans, they offer effective solutions for each patient.
For expert help, call +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp at +91-959-928-5476. You can also schedule appointments through the online portal or download the mobile app on iOS and Android. Your health is important to us—let us assist you in starting your healing journey.
Reviewed By Dr. Dheeraj Batheja
Consultant - Orthospine & Orthopaedics, Unit IV.
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is carpal tunnel release surgery?
Carpal tunnel release surgery consists of severing the ligament that compresses the median nerve in the wrist, alleviating symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling.
How does open carpal tunnel release differ from endoscopic carpal tunnel release?
Open surgery necessitates a bigger incision on the palm, whereas endoscopic surgery employs a smaller incision along with a camera for minimally invasive entry.
Do I need to stop taking my medications before surgery?
Your physician will advise you on which medications to discontinue or persist with prior to surgery; it's crucial to adhere to their guidance.
How long does CTS surgery take?
Carpal tunnel release surgery generally lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
Is CTS surgery an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
CTS surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to return home on the same day.
How is pain managed after CTS surgery?
Pain is controlled using over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or prescribed pain medications if necessary.
How long does it take to recover from CTS surgery?
Recovery often requires 2–6 weeks for light activities, whereas complete recovery for strenuous tasks can take as long as 3 months.
What are the activity restrictions after surgery?
Refrain from lifting heavy objects, making repetitive wrist motions, or engaging in strenuous tasks for a few weeks to ensure adequate healing.
What should I do if I experience severe pain or swelling after surgery?
Get in touch with your surgeon right away if you have intense pain, swelling, redness, or any other indicators of infection.
Can CTS recur after surgery?
The recurrence of CTS is uncommon but can occur, particularly if the root causes are left untreated.
What are the long-term effects of CTS surgery?
The majority of patients achieve considerable symptom alleviation, enhanced hand functionality, and few long-term issues.
What are the signs of successful CTS surgery?
A successful surgery is characterized by less pain, enhanced grip strength, and a restoration of normal hand and wrist functionality.
