Carpal tunnel surgery is a successful medical procedure that relieves the painful symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgery works by cutting through the wrist ligament which forms the top of the carpal tunnel.

This immediately releases the pressure that has been exerted on the median nerve, causing pain and discomfort in the hand. After surgery, the ligament grows back together more loosely which naturally creates a bigger space in the carpal tunnel. This procedure allows the wrist nerve to function properly once more.

Types of Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal tunnel release surgery is one of the most common hand surgeries performed and is widely regarded as a successful way to treat this progressive disease, and prevent permanent nerve damage. The operation can be performed in two different ways, and your doctor will discuss with you the most appropriate surgery for your condition. Both approaches are usually performed as outpatient procedures, which means you can return home the same day.

1. Open surgery – The wrist ligament is divided to create more room in the carpal tunnel, allowing the median nerve to resume ordinary function. 
2. Minimally invasive surgery (endoscopic) – This procedure works in exactly the same way using a camera and tiny tools. They are inserted through two smaller cuts, which usually means a faster recovery.

During surgery

The goal of surgery is to reduce painful symptoms and restore normal function to the hand by expanding the carpal tunnel, and creating more space for the median nerve to function. During open surgery, your doctor will make a two-inch incision to expose the wrist ligament which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. By dividing this ligament and enlarging the space in the carpal tunnel, the median nerve is no longer restricted and can behave normally. If carpal tunnel surgery is performed endoscopically, the same wrist ligament is accessed by making two smaller incisions. Through the first, a camera is inserted using a narrow tube and this is used to guide the doctor during surgery. Special surgical instruments are then inserted through the second incision to complete the operation. When the surgery is complete, the wound is closed and bandaged.