Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery is a newer surgical method that uses a shorter incision than traditional Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery is considered when pain, tingling and other symptoms are still present after a long period of trying non-surgical treatment. If there are signs of nerve damage, surgery is more urgent and may be performed sooner.

Severe symptoms that restrict normal daily activities – including persistent loss of feeling or coordination in the fingers or hand, no strength in the thumb, etc. – may also indicate that Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery should be performed sooner rather than later.

Additionally, if there is damage to the median nerve (shown by nerve test results and loss of hand or finger function), or tumors or other growths need to be removed, surgery is generally indicated.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery Procedure

During Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery a thin tube with a camera attached (endoscope) is guided through a small incision in the wrist, to let the doctor see structures in the wrist.

In the “single-portal technique” one small incision is made.  In the “two-portal technique” two small incisions are made: at the wrist and palm.

During endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery the transverse carpal ligament is cut, releasing the pressure on the median nerve that is causing the pain. The small incisions are then closed with stitches – while the gap where the ligament was cut is left to gradually fill in with scar tissue.

Only a local (“numbing”) anesthetic is needed, and typically the patient can go home on the same day.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery

There is a significantly shorter recovery period after an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery than after Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery. This is because the minimally invasive procedure does not require cutting the palm open, and disturbing a large area of the hand.

The pain and numbness may go away immediately after surgery.  Or it may take several days, weeks or even months for the pain to completely subside. Try to avoid heavy use of your hand for a couple of weeks.

If you have endoscopic surgery, you may be able to return to work sooner than if you have open surgery. The timing of your return to work will depends on the type of surgery you had, if the surgery was on your dominant hand, and the type of work activities you perform.

Risks of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

The risk and complication rates for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery are extremely low. Problems such as nerve damage occur in fewer than 1% of patients

Possible, but very rare, complications from endoscopic carpal release surgery include injury to nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. There is also the slight risk of infection, as there is with any type of surgery. Since most endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is done with local anesthesia, rather than with general anesthesia, there are not the risks associated with being anesthetized.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery Bloomfield Hills

If you think you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, contact Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Bloomfield Hills Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery: 248.335.2638