At A Glance

Price:

£2250 (per hand)

Expected Results:

Alleviate pain and improved hand function

Length of Surgery:

15-30 mins

Anaesthesia:

Local Anaesthetic

Recovery:

Light activities by 1-2 weeks

What is Carpal Tunnel Decompression?

Carpal tunnel surgery is a medical procedure aimed at alleviating symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist.

This surgery involves the release of the transverse carpal ligament to relieve this pressure, thereby restoring function and reducing pain.

The primary objectives of carpal tunnel surgery include:

Reducing Pain and Discomfort: Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome often experience pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand and fingers. Surgery aims to alleviate these symptoms by relieving the pressure on the median nerve, leading to significant pain reduction.

Restoring Hand Function: Prolonged compression of the median nerve can result in weakness and decreased grip strength. Carpal tunnel surgery can restore proper nerve function, improving hand strength and dexterity, which is crucial for daily activities.

Preventing Long-term Nerve Damage: If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage. By undergoing surgery, patients can prevent further deterioration of nerve function and maintain better long-term hand health.

While carpal tunnel surgery can provide lasting relief, it is important to understand that recovery may take time, and rehabilitation may be necessary to regain full functionality. Ultimately, the procedure can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected by carpal tunnel syndrome.

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The Consultation

Consultation

During a consultation with one of our hand surgeons, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your hand condition. The appointment typically begins with a review of your medical history, including any previous injuries, surgeries, or underlying medical conditions that may impact hand health. The surgeon will then conduct a physical examination, assessing the range of motion, strength, and any visible abnormalities in the hand and wrist. You may be asked specific questions about your symptoms, such as when they began, how they affect your daily activities, and any treatments tried previously. Depending on the findings, the surgeon may recommend diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies , to gain further insights into the condition. After the evaluation, the hand surgeon will discuss potential treatment options, which may range from conservative measures to surgical interventions, and address any questions or concerns you may have about the diagnosis and treatment plan. Overall, the consultation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition and outline the best path forward for recovery and improved hand function.

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The Procedure

Procedure

Carpal tunnel decompression surgery under local anaesthetic is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, alleviating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. During the surgery, the patient remains awake but comfortable, as the local anaesthetic numbs the hand and wrist area, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure without the need for general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision near the wrist to access the carpal tunnel and carefully cuts the transverse carpal ligament, which is the structure compressing the median nerve. Patients can typically return home shortly after the procedure and may experience significant relief from symptoms soon after the surgery, making it an effective option for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Post-operative care includes monitoring for swelling and pain management, along with guidance on rehabilitation exercises to restore hand function and strength as healing progresses.

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Aftercare & Results

Aftercare

After hand surgery, proper after-care is crucial for a successful recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions closely, which may include keeping the hand elevated to reduce swelling and applying ice packs as recommended. It’s important to keep the surgical site clean and dry, changing any dressings as instructed to prevent infection. Gentle exercises may be introduced gradually to restore mobility, but patients should avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting until cleared by their doctor. Pain management is also key, so taking recommended medications as directed can help alleviate discomfort. Regular follow-up appointments will allow the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns, ensuring the best possible outcome for hand function.

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What our clients think

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Dr Misha Zee Malik 5 months ago
Lovely experience . Dr abood was very kind and reassured me well before the procedure
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Neil Francis 5 months ago
The Day Clinic staff and Dr Abood were exceptional. Greeted with a smile, offered a drink while I waited for my appointment, on time and procedures explained with detail, super friendly. I went ahead on the day, having two moles removed. Aftercare explained and off I went. I wish I had it done sooner. Highly recommend

Thanks Dr Abood!

Plenty of parking and easy to find.
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Richard Davey 5 months ago
Very happy with the professionalism of the The Day Clinic staff and Dr Abood , everything was explained to me from start to finish of the procedure of the removal of my lipoma , which I’m very happy with.
The Day Clinic is very easy to find and plenty of parking available.
I would recommend Dr Abood to anyone wanting a procedure.
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Sally Marriott 5 months ago
I thoroughly recommend Dr Abood and his team. The Day Clinic is bright, super clean & modern. I felt informed, relaxed & looked after during my procedures
where I had a Lipoma and a small cyst removed from my face. I shall be returning next week to have my stitches removed.
The Day Clinic is also very accessible being on the outskirts of Cambridge.
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Kay Morland 5 months ago
Dr Abood and his team were recommended to me for his seamless minimal scaring small operations. I had a small op to remove a lump in a visible area. The operation was very seamless, quick and low fuss. Free parking, easy to find, and the team were extremely friendly and attentive. They made a real effort to squeeze me in in a short time frame which I really appreciated, and sent me away with an after care plan. The actual wound was extremely tidy and I felt the operation was extremely thorough and professional. I had an appointment to view and operate on the same day but I also know that if I had wanted to postpone the operation to have time to process what he had told me, they would have done so, and made every effort to make me comfortable moving forward.
Although I'm still to see the final healed result I would thoroughly recommend the day Clinic for small ops like mine.
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John Dowdell 6 months ago
No problems, would recommend. Operation was quick and painless. Recovery is not too sore.
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simon bowers 6 months ago
So terrific to be seen and treated quickly. I had 100% confidence in Dr Abood, both in terms of his professionalism and his communications to me as a patient.
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sharon wollaston 6 months ago
lovely clean professional treatment, care and information easy to understand and looked after very well
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Cheeze Muphinnz 6 months ago
Very pleased with my experience at The Day Clinic. The staff are all exceptionally kind and helpful, and the surgery went smoothly.
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Potential Risks

Carpal tunnel decompression surgery, while generally safe and effective, does carry some potential risks and complications. These may include:

Infection

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the incision site, which may require treatment with antibiotics or further intervention.

Nerve Injury

Although rare, there is a possibility of inadvertently damaging the median nerve or nearby nerves during the surgery, which could lead to altered sensation or weakness in the hand.

Persistent Symptoms

Some patients may continue to experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, or tingling, even after surgery.

Scarring

The incision will result in a scar, which can sometimes be painful or restrict movement in the wrist or hand. Most of the time the scar becomes soft and fades well over time.

Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion

Post-operative stiffness can occur, and some patients may need physiotherapy to regain full motion and function.

Related FAQs

What is the recovery process like after the surgery?

Recovery after carpal tunnel decompression surgery varies by individual but generally involves a period of immobilization in a splint for several days. Patients can usually return to light activities within a week, while more strenuous activities may require several weeks to months. Physical therapy may be recommended to aid in recovery and improve strength and flexibility.

How is the surgery performed?

Carpal tunnel decompression surgery can be performed using two main techniques: open surgery and endoscopic surgery. In open surgery, a larger incision is made in the wrist to access and cut the transverse carpal ligament. In endoscopic surgery, a smaller incision is made, and a camera is used to guide the surgeon in cutting the ligament. Both methods aim to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

What kind of anaesthesia is used during the surgery?

The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, where only the wrist area is numbed, and the patient Is wide awake.

How long does the surgery take?

Carpal tunnel decompression surgery typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes. However, the overall time spent at The Day Clinic may be longer due to pre-operative preparations and post-operative recovery.

Will I need to take time off work after the surgery?

The amount of time off work after carpal tunnel decompression surgery varies depending on the nature of your job. For those with sedentary jobs, returning to work within a week or two is feasible. For more physically demanding jobs, a longer recovery period may be necessary. It’s best to discuss your specific situation with your surgeon to determine a suitable timeline.

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