Question 1

what is carpal tunnel surgery like?

Accepted Answer

Usually very quick: Typically, the operation involves a skin incision over the wrist and an incision through the fibrous layer of tissue that holds everything in the carpal tunnel in place, which essentially allows for more space and relieves the pressure. Then, the skin is closed, and the fibrous tissue usually heals on its own.

Question 2

what are the long term effects of carpal tunnel surgery?

Accepted Answer

Minimal: Carpal tunnel surgery, which is basically decompression of the median nerve at the wrist, if done properly is highly effective and has minimal long term downside. In fact, there is minimal short term downside. Most patients can start to use the hand shortly after surgery.

Question 3

what to do if mild pain recurs after carpal tunnel surgery?

Accepted Answer

Time: You need time, up to 6 month to recover. Pain, unfortunately , is part of recovering from surgery. Contact your surgeon and ask for pain medications.

Question 4

going to have endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. ....any advice?

Accepted Answer

Do your doctor's bid: Simply follow pre-op instructions including not eating or drinking anything if that is part of their order set.  Generally, any time you are having surgery done, endoscopic or not, restriction of food and beverage intake is mandatory.  Have someone ready to drive you home if it's going to be an outpatient procedure.  Good luck.

Question 5

when will the swelling go down after open carpal tunnel surgery?

Accepted Answer

3 months: Usually, patients can experience pain and swelling at the base of the hand for approximately 3 months following surgery, though sometimes these symptoms take 6 months to dissipate completely.

Question 6

what to expect from carpal tunnel surgery under local anaesthetic?

Accepted Answer

See below: A little discomfort while they get you numb and then you will be fine.

Question 7

can x-ray be helpful to see if carpal tunnel surgery is done correctly?

Accepted Answer

No : Unfortunately xrays only define skeletal structures. Anerve conductioon study wiulddetermine if the  conduction delay of the median nerve had. Been corrected. Alternatively an MRI moght dineate any complication such as scar tissue

Question 8

how many doctors will be in the operation room for a carpal tunnel surgery?

Accepted Answer

Usually one: A carpal tunnel release is a pretty straightforward procedure, so one surgeon is the norm. If your surgeon is part of an academic institution, it is possible that a resident or medical student may be present.

Question 9

can you choose between several anaesthesia options for carpal tunnel surgery?

Accepted Answer

Usually: Carpal tunnel surgery can be performed successfully with general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or local anesthesia.
It's important the patient be pain free thru out the procedure. A discussion with your hand surgeon and the anasthesiologist should help you with the decision.

Question 10

with systmic inflamation, would carpal tunnel surgery help or would the condition likely return?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If the carpal tunnel syndrome is severe you may need surgery regardless in order to prevent n. Damage.  If the problem is not severe the inflammation can be treated first while the carpal tunnel is treated.  Options for carpal tunnel include splints, injections, surgery.  None of these are a guaranteed permanent cure. It can recur due to inflammation, scar tissue after surgery, worsening  arthriti.

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Doctor answers about:

Carpal tunnel surgery aftercare

A member asked:

What is carpal tunnel surgery like?

A member asked:

What are the long term effects of carpal tunnel surgery?

A member asked:

What to do if mild pain recurs after carpal tunnel surgery?

A member asked:

Going to have endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. ....any advice?

A member asked:

When will the swelling go down after open carpal tunnel surgery?

A member asked:

What to expect from carpal tunnel surgery under local anaesthetic?

A member asked:

Can x-ray be helpful to see if carpal tunnel surgery is done correctly?

A member asked:

How many doctors will be in the operation room for a carpal tunnel surgery?

A member asked:

Can you choose between several anaesthesia options for carpal tunnel surgery?

A member asked:

With systmic inflamation, would carpal tunnel surgery help or would the condition likely return?

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