What are the types of carpal tunnel release procedures?
There are two types of carpal tunnel release: endoscopic carpal tunnel release and open carpal tunnel release.
Open carpal tunnel release
This procedure starts with your surgeon making a small cut close to the lower section of your palm near your wrist. Your surgeon then cuts through your carpal ligament to reduce the pressure on your median nerve. In severe cases, your surgeon may have to remove tissues around the nerve to reduce pressure. Then a few stitches are applied to close the wound and cover the region with a bandage.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
Your surgeon makes a small cut near the lower portion of your palm close to your wrist. The surgeon then places a long flexible tube known as an endoscope into your wrist. The endoscope is usually attached to a light and camera that helps your surgeon observe the condition of the syndrome. The camera takes video from inside your wrist and the images appear on a monitor inside the operating room. Your surgeon will then insert other tools through this opening and cut the carpal ligament to reduce pressure on your nerve. The surgeon removes the tools and endoscope and closes the cut with a stitch.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is procedure that takes about 15 to 60 minutes. Your surgeon will administer anesthesia [4] before the procedure. Anesthesia will make you fall asleep and feel relaxed during the procedure. You may also experience some pain or discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor can recommend drugs to help reduce the pain.