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

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.

Within reason: Frequently the surgeon and anesthesiologist will work with you to ensure that you have a pleasant experience as possible. Talk to them before the operation.

Carpal Tunnel : For the most part. Generally carpal tunnel surgery can be performed quite adequately under local anesthesia with some light sedation. The good news is that regardless of anesthesia, you as the patient will be comfortable and the doctor will be able to do what he/she needs to do.

Somewhat: The vast majority are done with local anesthesia or bier block. Rarely, it can be done under general anesthesia if there is some complicating issue.

Discuss with surgeon: Usually carpal tunnel surgery is done under local anesthesia, which means the area is numbed with a med such as Lidocaine or marcaine. Sometimes the whole arm is numbed with a technique called a bier block. You have a choice of whether you want to be wide awake or given some sedation. If Propofol is used for sedation, you may nap through the whole procedure and simply wake up when it's done.