Carpal tunnel surgery, which reduces pressure on the median nerve, can help reduce wrist and hand pain. This eMedTV page describes the two kinds of carpal tunnel surgery and offers vital information on the risks and benefits of each.
Reasons for having a carpal tunnel release usually include improving symptoms and preventing further damage. This eMedTV segment discusses reasons for carpal tunnel release and lists the non-surgical methods that are usually tried before the surgery.
This eMedTV article explains that when preparing for carpal tunnel surgery, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything at least eight hours prior to surgery. This article offers helpful tips on preparing for carpal tunnel surgery.
As this eMedTV article explains, the day of carpal tunnel surgery involves preparations such as getting an IV and having EKG patches applied to your body. This page describes other things to expect on the day of carpal tunnel surgery.
This eMedTV segment explains that in the operating room for carpal tunnel surgery, you can expect to see anesthesia equipment, monitors, and sterile instruments. This article provides an overview of carpal tunnel surgery and the operating room.
Anesthesia for carpal tunnel surgery comes in two forms: regional and general. As this eMedTV page explains, both types eliminate pain during the procedure. This portion of the Web site discusses carpal tunnel surgery anesthesia in detail.
Carpal tunnel release is a surgery that helps to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This eMedTV segment describes the two types of carpal tunnel release and offers an in-depth look at how they are performed.
After carpal tunnel surgery, recovery starts in the hospital and continues at home. This eMedTV page discusses recovery from carpal tunnel surgery, including what to expect in the hospital recovery room and tips on relieving pain.
Carpal tunnel surgery expectations are generally focused on relieving the pressure on the median nerve. This eMedTV page lists factors that may affect the success of carpal tunnel surgery and describes the improvements seen in successful cases.
Carpal tunnel surgery alternatives may include anti-inflammatory drugs, activity changes, or steroid shots. This eMedTV article lists various alternatives to carpal tunnel surgery and explains how these options are usually tried first before surgery.
What if you don't have carpal tunnel surgery? This eMedTV page explains that although this surgery is not required, having it can help improve symptoms and prevent further damage. This page discusses the risks of not having carpal tunnel surgery.
This eMedTV Web page explains that if you are a diabetic, risks with carpal tunnel surgery can include possible infections and blood sugar control problems. This article discusses the risks of carpal tunnel surgery for a person with diabetes.
Minor complications of carpal tunnel release can include infection, nausea, and wrist stiffness. As this eMedTV page explains, major complications include nerve damage and loss of life. This page covers the possible complications of this surgery.
Following carpal tunnel surgery, you will have a scar. This eMedTV page explains that patients who develop an enlarged scar with carpal tunnel surgery can still have excellent surgical results. This page covers scarring after carpal tunnel surgery.
It is normal to develop pain after carpal tunnel surgery, and it usually improves as swelling goes down. As this eMedTV segment explains, the swelling typically lasts about 12 to 16 weeks.
Although rare, it is possible to experience nerve damage with carpal tunnel surgery. As this eMedTV page explains, the median nerve branches into smaller nerves; due to the variation in nerve locations, it is possible to cut the nerve during surgery.
This eMedTV article explains that despite the use of sterile surgical techniques, it's possible to develop an infection following carpal tunnel surgery. This article tells you what you need to know about infections following carpal tunnel surgery.
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the medications used during a carpal tunnel release. This eMedTV resource lists common symptoms, such as skin rashes, seen in patients who have an allergic reaction during carpal tunnel release.
As this eMedTV article explains, endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a type of carpal tunnel surgery that makes use of a specialized video camera called an endoscope. This resource explains how an endoscopic carpal tunnel release is performed.
Open carpal tunnel release involves cutting the carpal ligament to examine the tendons for damage. This eMedTV segment explains how an open carpal tunnel release is performed, including information on the possible removal of synovial coverings.
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