endoscopiccarpaltunnel

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery helps to relieve the pain and

numbness caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the median nerve is compressed at the wrist because the transverse carpal

ligament has become contracted as a result of activities, ageing, or both. The median nerve supplies sensation

to the thumb, index, middle, and half the ring finger as well as supplying the thumb muscle. Patients with CTS

often have numbness and weakness in these areas.

Picture courtesy of webcenter.health.webmd.netscape.com

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a highly technical procedure.

The 30-45 minute operation is usually performed under local

anaesthesia although general anaesthesia is safe as well.

A small incision is made in the wrist and in the palm and an endoscope

is used to visualise the carpal ligament, which is cut with small blades

under direct visualisation. The difference between'endoscopic carpal

tunnel release'(ECTR) and 'open carpal tunnel release' is that with

ECTR there are only two small incisions required. However, with open

carpal tunnel procedures, a relatively lengthy incision which is usually

between 4 and 8cms (2" to 5'') is utilised to release the carpal tunnel.

By using an endoscopic technique for surgery it is believed that the

skin and soft tissue of the palm can be preserved and therefore less

post operative pain and more rapid recovery may be possible.

Patients are allowed to move their hand and wrist immediately after

surgery. The surgery is on an outpatient basis, which allows you to

go home the same day as the procedure. Two days after the surgery,

the bandages can come off and you can take a shower. Light activities can be resumed within days after the

surgery but strong grip strength can take 4-6 weeks to return.