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Carpal tunnel release surgery Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, February 2009.

Answers to questions about carpal tunnel release surgery

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

I'm having carpal tunnel surgery and want to know which procedure gives better results - open or keyhole surgery?

Open and keyhole surgery are equally effective at reducing pain and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Explanation

There are no significant advantages of keyhole surgery over open technique. Both techniques are equally effective at reducing pain and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and even the possible advantage of a quicker recovery after keyhole surgery seems limited to a few days only. Nerve damage is more common with keyhole surgery compared to open technique.

How successful keyhole surgery is compared to open surgery depends on the surgeon's skill and expertise. Keyhole surgery requires a higher degree of surgical skill and is only performed by surgeons with specialist training.

Further information

Sources

  • Bland JDP. Carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ 2007; 335:343-346. www.bmj.com
  • Scholten RJPM, Mink van der Molen A, Uitdehaag BMJ, et al. Surgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No: CD003905. www.cochrane.org
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What are good exercises to do after having carpal tunnel surgery?

Gentle stretching exercises such as straightening and bending your fingers into your palm to make a fist, or gently squeezing a foam ball can help reduce stiffness.

Explanation

After carpal tunnel surgery you will have some pain, swelling and bruising in your wrist. Your wrist, fingers, elbow and shoulder may feel stiff for a few days. To help reduce stiffness and loosen your joints you should do gentle stretching exercises. Straightening and bending your fingers into your palm to make a fist, or gently squeezing a foam ball is usually enough.

You may want to rest your hand for a day or two and then resume light manual activities. You should be able to return to your usual activities after one week. If your work involves typing or writing, build in regular short rest breaks doing gentle stretching exercises. If you do any sporting activities that involve gripping or putting strain on your wrists, it's best to wear a wrist and hand support that will protect your joints. Wrist and hand supports are available from most chemists or you can purchase them from the Bupa Shop.

Further information

Sources

  • Viera AJ. Management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Am Fam Physcian 2003. www.aafp.org/afp
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Can I have carpal tunnel surgery while pregnant?

Although carpal tunnel surgery is safe to perform during pregnancy it's best to delay surgical treatment until after you have given birth. Symptoms often improve after delivery in most women with pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome.

Explanation

Alterations in fluid balance during pregnancy can increase swelling in the wrist and put pressure on the nerves causing carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms are usually worse in the third trimester and most often symptoms improve spontaneously after pregnancy. For this reason, surgery isn't usually recommended during pregnancy. A night splint or steroid injection into the affected area can help reduce symptoms significantly.

Unless carpal tunnel symptoms become intolerable, a pregnant woman should delay surgery until after childbirth. During pregnancy, treatment may depend on whether the symptoms are only at night or occur during the day with activities. If only at night, a splint and anti-inflammatory medicines may be helpful. You must always seek medical advice before taking any anti-inflammatory medicines during pregnancy. If symptoms occur during the day, the best initial treatment is often a steroid injection into the carpal tunnel. The steroid given is a very small dose and usually a single treatment has no side-effects or risks.

Sources

  • Viera AJ. Management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Am Fam Physcian 2003. www.aafp.org/afp
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: February 2009

 

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