Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand through a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is located on the palm side of the wrist and is made up of bones and ligaments.

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and effective treatment. Surgery is a treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome if non-surgical treatments, such as splints, medication, and activity modification, have not been successful. Carpal tunnel surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can usually be done under local anesthesia. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. This is called a carpal tunnel release.

There are two main types of CTS release surgery:

1. Open Carpal Tunnel Release

• The traditional surgical technique for CTS.

• Involves making a small incision in the palm of the hand and cutting through the transverse carpal ligament.

• Recovery time is typically 2-4 weeks.

2.Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

• A minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera and surgical instruments.

• Involves making two small incisions in the hand or wrist.

• Recovery time is typically 1-2 weeks.

Choosing the Right Surgery Type

The choice of surgery type depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and your surgeon's experience.

• Open carpal tunnel release is generally recommended for people with severe CTS or those who have had previous wrist surgery.

• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release may be a good option for people with mild to moderate CTS who want a less invasive procedure.

Here is a step-by-step guide to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery :

Preparation

1. Pre-operative consultation: Before the surgery, you will have a consultation with your doctor to discuss your medical history, symptoms, and the risks and benefits of surgery. Your doctor will also examine your hand and wrist to determine the severity of your CTS.

2. Anesthesia: Carpal tunnel surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences.

3. Positioning: You will be positioned on your back on the operating table. Your arm will be placed on an arm board and your hand will be cleaned and sterilized.

Open Carpal Tunnel Release

1. Incision: Your surgeon will make a small incision in the palm of your hand, about an inch long.

2. Identification of the transverse carpal ligament: The surgeon will carefully dissect through the layers of skin, fat, and fascia to expose the transverse carpal ligament, which is the roof of the carpal tunnel.

3. Division of the transverse carpal ligament: The surgeon will use a scalpel or scissors to cut through the transverse carpal ligament, thereby releasing the pressure on the median nerve.

4. Closure: The surgeon will then close the incision with sutures or staples.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

1. Portals: Your surgeon will make two small incisions in your hand or wrist. These incisions will serve as portals for the endoscope and surgical instruments.

2. Endoscopic visualization: The surgeon will insert an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera attached to it, into one of the incisions. The endoscope will provide a magnified view of the carpal tunnel on a monitor.

3. Division of the transverse carpal ligament: Under the guidance of the endoscope, the surgeon will insert surgical instruments through the other incision to divide the transverse carpal ligament.

4. Closure: The surgeon will then remove the endoscope and instruments and close the incisions with sutures or skin glue.

Post-Operative Care

1. Splint or bandage: After the surgery, your hand and wrist will be placed in a splint or bandage to immobilize the area and promote healing.

2. Pain management: You may experience some pain after the surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you manage your discomfort.

3. Movement restrictions: You will be instructed to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks to allow your hand and wrist to heal properly.

4. Follow-up appointments: You will have follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure that your hand and wrist are healing properly.

The recovery time from carpal release surgery is typically short. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks. However, it may take several months for the full range of motion and sensation to return to the hand.

If you are considering release carpal tunnel surgery, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. They can help you decide if surgery is the right option for you and answer any questions you may have.

The surgery is usually successful, but there are some risks involved.

Common Side Effects

• Scarring

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Nerve damage

• Incomplete relief

Less Common Side Effects

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): This is a rare condition that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hand.

• Tendon injury: In rare cases, a tendon in the wrist may be injured during the surgery. This can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty with hand movement.

• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD): This is another rare condition that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hand.

Overall, carpal tunnel surgery is a safe and effective procedure for most people. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved before you decide to have the surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery Benefits

Benefits of carpal tunnel surgery include: 

• Relieving pressure on the wrist

• Less or no pain and numbness in the hand

• Better hand function

• Reduced risk of permanent damage

• Prevention of Nerve Damage

• Better Sleep

• Reduced Dependency on Medications

The recovery time from carpal tunnel surgery varies from person to person, but it generally takes between 3 and 6 months to fully recover. Most people start to feel relief from their symptoms immediately after surgery, but it may take a few weeks for the pain and swelling to go away completely. You will also need to wear a splint or brace for a few weeks to protect your wrist while it heals.

Here is a general timeline for carpal tunnel surgery recovery:

• Week 1-2: You will wear a splint or brace to protect your wrist. You may have some pain and swelling, and you may be able to move your fingers and thumb only slightly.

• Weeks 3-6: You will start to regain movement in your fingers and thumb. You may still have some pain and swelling, but you should be able to do more activities with your hand.

• Months 6-12: You should have regained most of your movement and strength in your hand. You may still have some occasional pain or numbness, but this should subside over time.

Here are some tips for a speedy recovery from carpal tunnel surgery:

• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This includes taking your pain medication as prescribed and wearing your splint or brace as instructed.

• Elevate your hand above your heart level as much as possible. This will help to reduce swelling.

• Ice your hand for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This will also help to reduce swelling and pain.

• Start doing hand exercises as soon as your doctor allows. These exercises will help to improve your grip and range of motion.

• Avoid activities that cause pain or numbness. This includes activities that require you to use your hand repetitively, such as typing or playing the piano.

If you have any concerns about your recovery, please contact your doctor.

The cost of carpal tunnel release surgery in Delhi can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of surgery, the surgeon's experience, and the hospital where the surgery is performed. However, the average cost is between ₹40,000 and ₹60,000.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Delhi

Here is a breakdown of the costs involved in carpal tunnel release surgery:

• Surgeon's fee: This is the largest cost, and it can range from ₹20,000 to ₹40,000.

• Hospital fee: This includes the cost of the operating room, anesthesia, and other medical supplies. It can range from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000.

• Pre-operative and post-operative care: This includes the cost of consultations, tests, and follow-up visits. It can range from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.

In some cases, carpal tunnel release surgery may be covered by health insurance. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.