Choosing a Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful condition caused by an increased amount of pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. If you have tried non-surgical treatments and your symptoms have not improved, you may be eligible for surgical treatment option.
In general, there are two different procedures used by physicians to remedy carpal tunnel syndrome: open carpal tunnel release and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. The complication rates and risks are exceptionally low with both procedures. However, the minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery offers several benefits over the traditional method.
Continue reading to learn why patients and Atlanta physicians are choosing the minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery as primary treatment for CTS.
Why is This Surgery Minimally Invasive?
Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery or endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery is a minimally invasive, but effective procedure designed to alleviate your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. During this procedure, the physician uses a thin, specialized device with an endoscope or tiny camera attached to the end of it.
In the single-portal technique, the endoscope is strategically guided through the small incision at the wrist. The device contains both the cutting tool and camera. Once the endoscopic tool is in place, the surgeon is able to clearly see all of the interior structures of the wrist, including the transverse carpal ligament.
The precision of the endoscope allows the hand surgeon to make the same movements as if he or she made the larger incision of an open carpal tunnel procedure.
What Happens During Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Once the surgeon guides the tiny endoscope in place, they use the endoscopic cutting tool to sever the transverse carpal ligament. By cutting this ligament, pressure on the median nerve is relieved, which alleviates the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
After the procedure is complete, the physician closes the tiny incision in the palm with stitches. Eventually, the gap where the ligament was severed will close and fill with scar tissue without affecting the increased space of the carpal tunnel.
Is Carpal Tunnel Surgery an Inpatient or Outpatient Procedure?
The endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you will go home on the same day. In comparison with a standard open carpal tunnel surgery, this procedure has a significantly shorter recovery period.
The short recovery time can be attributed to the fact that the procedure doesn’t disturb a larger surface area of the hand. While standard open carpal tunnel surgeries require a large opening in the palm of your hand, endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery involves a tiny incision.
What Happens After Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Most patients experience instant relief from numbness and pain after the procedure. Over the following months, your condition should continue to improve. During the first four or five days following your surgical procedure, it’s imperative to keep the dressing and incision as dry as possible.
You should also practice routine bathing and handwashing practices to keep the cut as clean and bacteria-free as possible. Most importantly, you should follow your hand surgeon’s specific instructions.
Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist for Minimally Invasive Procedures
At Atlanta Hand Specialist, we utilize state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical procedures for a long list of ailments affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and fingers. We offer six convenient locations in:
- Smyrna, Georgia
- Marietta, Georgia
- Canton, Georgia
- East Cobb, Georgia
- Douglasville, Georgia
- Lawrenceville, Georgia
Call 770-333-7888 to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online through our patient portal.
