What is a Carpal Tunnel Release
The Carpal Tunnel Release surgery is done by our Neurosurgeons to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition can be caused by the overuse or repetitive motion in your fingers, hands, and wrists. It can also be aggravated due to injuries and has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis. The Carpal Tunnel is formed with your wrist bones and the bottom of the transverse carpal ligament. When either of these ligaments in your hand is inflamed it can cause your median nerve to compress. This is what happens when someone has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What will Carpal Tunnel Release do?
Carpal Tunnel Release is a minimally invasive surgery done by one of our Board Certified Neurosurgeons located in Tampa, Florida. The Neurosurgeon cuts the ligament that is compressing down on the carpal tunnel to make room for the median nerve to pass through the carpal tunnel. This improves function in the hand and helps relieve pain.
During the Carpal Tunnel Surgery
This is an outpatient procedure that is done in our outpatient surgery center located in Tampa, Florida. The Neurosurgeon will numb the hand with an anesthetic. An incision will be made in the hand and surgical equipment will be inserted. A small camera will also be inserted so the Neurosurgeon can view where he needs to guide the carpal tunnel release tool. One the carpal tunnel ligament is found, the surgeon will cut the ligament. This is the “Carpal Tunnel Release” and the patient almost gets instant relief. The incision will be closed and your hand and wrist will be bandaged and splinted.
What to Expect after the Carpal Tunnel Surgery
After surgery you will be moved to the recovery area where you will be observed by one our nurses. They will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. A post operative appointment with your surgeon will then be given to you. This is usually 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery to check up in on the healing process.
This surgery is done in our outpatient surgery center located in Tampa, Florida. Overnight stays are not needed as after everything checks out you will be released. There will be some discharge instructions and restrictions depending on your case.
Restrictions
- Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Advil should be avoided during the recovery process due to the ability for it to cause bleeding
- Do not lift heavy objects
Recovery Process
Recovery time is really quick following minimally invasive surgery. The surgery itself takes less than 30 minutes to perform. Your wrist will be in a splint and bandage for 1 to 2 weeks. A post-operative appointment for Carpal Tunnel differs from most post-operative appointments because the doctor will schedule an appointment to remove the bandage and splint. Physical Therapy may be recommended in order to speed up the recovery process. The recovery process for carpal tunnel release surgery is expected to take 10-12 weeks until you get full strength back. Simple tasks such as driving can be done a couple of days after you have had the surgery.
How long is a Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
The procedure will only take 30 minutes to perform.
When will the Post Op Be Scheduled?
After surgery, our nurses will schedule a post-op appointment with our surgeon that performed the procedure. This is usually 1-2 weeks after your surgery. The surgeon will remove the splint and bandages during this appointment.
What do I need to do to prepare for surgery?
Before surgery, we ask you to stop taking anti-inflammatory medication at least 10 days before surgery. There are also some vitamins that you may want to avoid such as Vitamin K, fish oil, and CoQ10. Please give us a call to find out what other vitamins/medications you may want to avoid.