Neurology Diagnostics

Posts Tagged ‘Endoscopic surgery’

Carpal tunnel decompression is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. This surgery is generally recommended if symptoms last for at least 6 months and involves separating a portion of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and requires hospitalization. Many patients require surgery on both hands. Here are the different types of surgery carpal tunnel decompression.

Open decompression surgery is the traditional procedure used to correct carpal tunnel syndrome consists of making an incision up to 2 inches in the wrist and then cutting the carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel (a set of bones wrist). The procedure is usually done with local anesthesia and is ambulatory, unless there are unusual medical considerations.

Endoscopic surgery can result in a faster functional recovery and causes less postoperative discomfort than traditional open decompression surgery. The surgeon makes two incisions (about ½ inch each) in the wrist and palm, inserts a camera attached to a catheter, observes the tissue on a screen and cuts the carpal ligament (the tissue that holds joints). This two-portal endoscopic surgery (incisions) usually performed using local anesthesia, is effective and minimizes the marks and scars softening, if any. Also available is a portal endoscopic surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Although symptoms may be relieved immediately after surgery, full recovery from carpal tunnel surgery can take months. Some patients may have infection, nerve damage, stiffness and pain in the incision. Occasionally the wrist could lose strength as a result of having cut the carpal ligament. Patients should perform physical therapy after surgery to restore wrist strength. Some patients may need to change your work activities or to change jobs after recovery from surgery.

Recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome after treatment is unusual. Most patients recover completely.

Some patients may need to change your work activities or to change jobs after recovery from surgery.

While deciding whether to get surgery or not, it should be mentioned that being free of Carpal Tunnel can give you more affordable health insurance and recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome after treatment is unusual. Most patients recover completely.