Carpal tunnel surgery: procedures, risks, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is increased pressure on the nerve that crosses the front of your wrist (median nerve). The median nerve flows through a dense tunnel, along with the tendons that flex your fingers.

What are the advantages of this operation?

The goal of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament pressure on the nerve. You should find it helpful in dealing with the pain and numbness in your hands.

When should I have carpal tunnel surgery?

If your symptoms are severe or persist after trying non-surgical therapy, surgery may be the next option. Surgery is considered only when symptoms do not improve after several weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment. This indicates that you have ongoing symptoms but not signs of nerve damage. Nerve damage can make surgery more urgent.

Or if the symptoms are severe to limit daily activities, such as when:

• numbness and loss of coordination in the fingers or hands is prolonged and persistent
• the strength in the thumb is reduced
• your sleep is disturbed because of this pain
• there is damage to the median nerve (seen from the results of nerve tests and loss of function of the hand, thumb, or finger) or risk of damage to the nerve

Nerve tests (nerve conduction velocity test and electromyogram) are often done before surgery. Surgery is more likely to be successful if the results of nerve testing point to carpal tunnel syndrome.

It cannot be denied that surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is technically an intentional injury to the natural structures of the wrist. Your decision about whether you should have open surgery or endoscopic surgery will depend on your doctor's experience with these procedures. Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery uses highly technical equipment and is more successful when doctors perform the procedure frequently. After surgery, it is important to avoid any activity that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Are there alternatives to surgery?

If symptoms are mild, it is usually helpful to wear a wrist strap at night. A steroid injection near the carpal tunnel can reduce numbness or pain in most people.

Process

What should I do before having surgery?

Carpal tunnel surgery is routinely done within a day's procedure. This means you go through the procedure and go home the same day, and it's usually done under local anesthesia. This anesthesia will block pain in your wrists and palms, and you will remain awake during the procedure.

You can help yourself by preparing questions about the risks, benefits, and alternative procedures. This will keep you more informed before giving permission to the doctor to perform the operation, which is usually indicated by the signing of a license.

What happened during the surgery?

The operation can usually be done under local anesthesia and takes 20 minutes. Your surgeon will cut a small cut in the palm of your hand. Then it cuts through the tight ligament (called the flexor retinaculum) that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. This will relieve the nerves from pressure.

What should I do after surgery?

You should be able to go home the same day. Keep your hands up and bandaged for two days. It's important to gently train your fingers, elbows, and shoulders to prevent stiffness.

Regular exercise should help you get back to normal activities as soon as possible. Before starting exercise, ask your health nurse or doctor for advice and advice. Your symptoms may continue to improve within 6 months.

Complications

What complications can occur?

Complications can occur while the procedure is underway or after. Common complications of carpal tunnel surgery are:

• • infection - you may need antibiotics for this
  • damage to your nerves, blood vessels or wrist tendons - may require further surgery to repair the damage
  • loss of strength and feeling stiff when gripping objects - usually temporary and will improve as your wrist heals
  • ongoing pain and numbness - sometimes it can take several months for the discomfort to go away
  • relapse - the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may return

If you are having an endoscopic procedure, your surgeon may need to convert it to open surgery if there are any complications.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.