Also known as: Carpal tunnel decompression, Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
Carpal tunnel decompression is a surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
The surgery involves cutting the ligament that runs across the carpal tunnel, and this ligament can cause the median nerve to be squeezed.
OVERVIEW
30 mins
From £3500
Yes
Local anaesthetic
2 week
10 days
WHY US
A quick discussion over the phone, send over photos, questions and discussion, visit the clinic and treatment can be in same day.
Learn moreWHO WE ARE
Consultant Plastic Surgeon (Head & Neck Surgery)
MBChB, BSc, MRCS Eng, MD, PhD, FRCS(Plast)
Find answers to our frequently asked questions
Patients can have Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery performed and go home the same day.
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic. Â
An incision is made at the base of the palm between the muscular padding which is between the base of the thumb and little finger.
This allows for the ligament to be cut and so free the nerve (median nerve).
The skin is closed with non-dissolving stitches and dressed to protect the wound, but free enough to use when absolutely needed.
Studies show that more than 60% have symptoms in both hands, it would be beneficial to have surgery on the opposite side once they have recovered from the first operation.
Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome/compression commonly complain of tingling sensations that can start at the wrist and goes to the thumb and the ring finger.Â
This is due to a squashed nerve (median nerve). This can also spread to the elbow and neck.Â
 Patients notice that they are being woken up with pain that needs to be shaken off at night. In the day, patients may notice dropping objects that may be wrongly attributed to clumsiness.Â
Some patients may have had non-operative treatment, that has not been successful in managing the symptoms.
When patients come into the clinic, our UK-trained plastic surgeon makes a full assessment. Â
This includes any relevant history, including reasons for surgery and a thorough examination of the neck, entire arm, wrist and hands. Â
Part of this process is also explaining to the patients what can be done, why, and what to expect, based on each patients’ anatomy and suitability for surgery.
Carpal tunnel decompression aims to first prevent symptoms from getting any worse. In most cases, the symptoms improve, if done early on. If long-standing, this may not be possible. Â
Immediately after surgery, each patient is seen by the senior physiotherapist who specialises in hand surgery patients, where they are given advice for what to look out for, what to expect and what can be done including exercise to help with rehabilitation. Â
Patients can contact their team if they have any questions. Patients are seen 10 days after surgery the wounds are checked and stitches removed.Â
The same physiotherapist will go through the exercises to help with rehabilitation after surgery.
Most commonly, carpal tunnel compression is a result of work or hobbies that requires a tight grip.Â
This leads to the nerve (median nerve) getting squashed in the tight tunnel (carpal tunnel).Â
The narrowing of the tunnel could be due to a number of reasons such as after injury to the wrist, swelling during pregnancy, fat in overweight patients etc.Â
The symptoms tend to settle once the nerve is released.Â
However, in most cases, alternatives to carpal tunnel decompression surgery include the use of wrist splints, steroid injections and changing the habit that is likely to cause it (work or hobby).
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