Patients can typically have Guyon’s canal decompression performed and go home the same day.

Patients have the procedure under local anaesthetic. 

An incision is made on the palm side of the wrist between the two fleshy mounds of the palm.

This allows for the nerve (ulnar nerve) that gives both sensations to the little and ring fingers and movement in the small muscles in the hand, free the tunnel & decrease pressure on the nerve.

The skin is closed with non-dissolving stitches and the hand dressed to protect the wound, but free enough to use when absolutely needed.

Patients who may have shooting pains, tingling or pins & needles into the little and ring fingers. 

This pain can feel like it is radiating towards the elbow and occasionally into the neck. 

This tends to worsen with direct pressure on the little finger side of the wrist, on the palm side such as from long rides on a bicycle.

When patients come into the clinic, our UK-trained plastic surgeon makes a full assessment of the patient.

This includes any relevant history, including reasons for surgery and a thorough examination including both hands for the feeling and muscle power.

Part of this process is explaining to the patients what can be done, why, and what to expect, based on each patients’ anatomy and suitability for surgery.