Surgery for carpal tunnel release
Carpal tunnel release surgery is performed to reduce pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. When this nerve is compressed, you may feel tingling, numbness, weakness or pain in your hand, especially around the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.
If hand therapy, splinting or other non-surgical options have not improved your symptoms, surgery may be discussed. The aim is to open the carpal tunnel and give the nerve more space.
Surgery for carpal tunnel release Brisbane & Gold Coast
Carpal tunnel release surgery: what happens during the procedure?
Surgery for carpal tunnel release is usually performed as a day procedure. It may be done under local or general anaesthetic, depending on your needs, comfort level and medical history.
During the procedure, an incision is made from the base of the wrist into the palm. This allows me to see the carpal ligament clearly. The ligament is then released to open the carpal tunnel and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane & Gold Coast, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
Once the nerve has more space, the incision is closed and dressings are applied. You will go home the same day with instructions about hand elevation, wound care, pain relief and gentle movement.
Carpal tunnel release surgery explained
Surgery for carpal tunnel release: step by step
Anaesthetic
Carpal tunnel release surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthetic in a day surgery hospital.
Before your procedure, we will talk about the best option for you. I want you to feel comfortable and clear about what will happen on the day.
Incision
A small incision is made from the base of the wrist into the palm.
This gives access to the carpal ligament, which sits over the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel.
Releasing the nerve
The carpal ligament is carefully released. This opens the carpal tunnel and reduces pressure on the median nerve.
This is the main part of surgery for carpal tunnel release. The aim is to give the nerve more room so it can recover over time.
Dressings
The incision is closed and dressings are applied.
You will be given clear instructions before you go home, including how to care for the wound, when to move your fingers, and when to come back for review.
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. This can cause tingling, numbness, weakness or pain in the hand and fingers.
You can read more about symptoms, causes and treatment options on the main carpal tunnel decompression page.
Surgery for carpal tunnel release is performed through an incision in the palm and wrist. The tight ligament over the carpal tunnel is released so the median nerve has more space.
Dr Andrew Hadj performs carpal tunnel release surgery in Brisbane as a day procedure.
Carpal tunnel release surgery may be performed under local or general anaesthetic. This depends on your comfort level, medical history and what is most appropriate for your procedure.
We will talk about this during your consultation.
Surgery for carpal tunnel release usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. You will usually go home the same day.
Even though the procedure is short, your hand still needs time to heal properly afterwards.
The incision is usually made from the base of the wrist into the palm. This allows access to the carpal tunnel and the ligament that needs to be released.
The scar and scar care will be discussed with you before surgery.
Some patients notice improvement quite quickly, while others recover more slowly. This can depend on how long the nerve has been compressed and how severe the symptoms were before surgery.
I will talk with you about what may be realistic for your hand.
Carpal tunnel decompression recovery usually involves rest, hand elevation, gentle finger movement, wound care and a gradual return to normal hand use.
You can read more about this on the carpal tunnel decompression recovery page.
I will talk with you about what may be realistic for your hand.
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Where do you operate?
I consult from my private rooms at Mater Private Clinic and I operate as a plastic surgeon at many private hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland.
I can see Gold Coast patients from my private rooms: Shop 9/109 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Waters. I operate at
About Dr Andrew Hadj, Plastic surgeon Brisbane
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Plastic Surgery Queensland
Suite 2.01
Mater Private Clinic
550 Stanley Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Gold Coast
109 W. Burleigh Road
Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
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