The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm of the hand. It consists of the median nerve, bones, tendons, and ligaments. When there is pressure on the median nerve, it causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Over time, the numbness may become constant, and the weakness may increase, leading to frequent dropping of objects.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by repetitive flexing of the wrist, genetics, certain conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease, or injury. If not treated soon, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage, and affect daily life. The most efficient way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is by undergoing carpal tunnel surgery.
Carpal tunnel surgery is a surgical treatment to alleviate the symptoms and potentially heal carpal tunnel syndrome. During carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon cuts through the ligament that is putting pressure on the carpal tunnel, which creates more room for the median nerve and tendons. This reduces pain and improves function. Carpal tunnel surgery is usually recommended if other treatments like over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, and wrist splints do not improve the patient’s condition.
There are two types of carpal tunnel surgeries:
Open Release:
In this type of carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon cuts open the wrist to perform the procedure.
Endoscopic Release:
In this type of carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision on the wrist and inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera through it. The camera guides the surgeon during the procedure, which is done with the help of thin tools put in the wrist through another small incision.
During the consultation for carpal tunnel surgery, Dr. Vasant Gholave, founder and director of Arra Aesthetics, Pune, will carefully examine the patient’s hands and wrists. The patient may be asked to undergo a few tests to confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Vasant Gholave will enquire about the patient’s full medical history, lifestyle, and daily habits to determine the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
At Arra Aesthetics, Pune, we believe that open and honest communication between the doctor and the patient is necessary. That is why, Dr. Vasant Gholave will discuss the procedure with the patient in detail, including the potential risks. He will explain to the patient what they may be required to do during and after the recovery period (like physical therapy) to get the best possible results. He will answer all questions the patient may have, ensuring that the patient will undergo the procedure with a calm mind.
The cost of carpal tunnel surgery is generally covered by the insurance, either partially or fully. The total cost of carpal tunnel surgery may vary depending upon factors like:
Consultation fees
If the condition is present in one hand or both hands
The type of surgery
Surgeon's fees
Post-surgical garments/dressing
Cost of the facility
The average cost of carpal tunnel surgery ranges from Rs. 90,00,00 to Rs. 1,00,000 for one side + 18% GST at Arra Aesthetics, Pune. Dr. Vasant Gholave will discuss every aspect of the cost of carpal tunnel surgery with you during consultation.
Before the surgery, the patient may be asked to stop taking certain medications or supplements that may cause complications during the procedure. If the patient is a smoker, they will be asked to quit smoking a few weeks before the surgery to prevent any complications.
Dr. Vasant Gholave, founder and director of Arra Aesthetics, Pune, may also ask the patient to undergo a few blood tests or an electrocardiogram (ECG) before the surgery to check for any existing conditions that could cause problems during the procedure or recovery.
The procedure for carpal tunnel surgery is as follows:
Local anesthesia or general anesthesia will be administered.
In open release carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on the wrist and then uses normal surgical tools to cut the carpal ligament and enlarge the carpal tunnel.
In endoscopic release carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon makes two incisions, one on the palm and one on the wrist.
Through one incision, the surgeon inserts a tube containing a camera into the wrist. Through the other incision, the surgeon cuts the carpal ligament, using the camera as a guide.
Then, the surgeon stitches the incision or incisions closed.
The patient’s hand and wrist will be bandaged heavily or placed in a splint to keep them from moving their wrist.
Generally, the patient will be allowed to go home on the same day as the procedure. Their wrist will be kept bandaged or in the splint for at least 1 to 2 weeks, and the patient will be encouraged to move their fingers during this time to prevent stiffness.
The patient may feel pain in their wrist after the surgery, which is normal. The surgeon will prescribe pain medications to the patient and advise to keep their hand elevated while sleeping to prevent swelling.
Usually, recovery from carpal tunnel surgery takes time. The recovery period can range from several weeks to several months. If the median nerve has been compressed for a long period of time, recovery from carpal tunnel surgery may take even longer.
The patient will most likely have to get physical therapy to strengthen and heal the wrist and hand after the recovery.
As with most surgeries, carpal tunnel surgery has some risks. These potential risks of a carpal tunnel release surgery include:
Numbness
Bleeding
Infection
Injury to the median nerve or nerves near it
Injuries to blood vessels that are nearby
Scarring
Regain Function And Reduce Pain In Your Wrists Through Carpal Tunnel Surgery
book appointmentDr. Vasant Gholave
(MBBS, MS, MCH)
Dr. Vasant Gholave is an immensely skilled Plastic Surgeon, Hair Transplant Surgeon, and Cosmetic surgeon in Pune. After a strong experience of 21 years, he came up with a cosmetic surgery and cosmetology treatment solution, “Arra Aesthetics”, which not only has the latest technology and treatments but also state-of-the-art infrastructure under one roof.
Dr. Vasant always strives for the best results and has the zeal to continuously improve and innovate in his practice of cosmetic and laser surgery.
Take the first step to become a new you today by booking an appointment with Arra Aesthetics, a top-rated plastic surgery clinic in Pune.