Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Operation Description
The initial treatment methods are conservative and involve the use of anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain and inflammation, along with physical therapy. While these treatments may help alleviate symptoms for a while, the only permanent solution is surgical intervention. The goal of the surgical procedure is to decompress the median nerve, removing what is applying pressure to it and thereby eliminating the present symptoms.
Consequences of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The median nerve transmits information from most fingers of the hand to the brain and controls specific muscles in the hand and fingers, including the thumb. If there is a narrowing of the already narrow carpal tunnel, damage to the median nerve occurs. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling in the fingers during the night or in the morning after waking up, which can later spread to the entire hand. Swelling, pain, and muscle weakness may later develop, making it increasingly difficult to grip and hold objects in the hand.
If you are interested in more details about carpal tunnel surgery, schedule a consultation at +38169 3699801. Colić Hospital offers a team of expert doctors specializing in aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery, with additional expertise in hand surgery. They will explain all the details of the procedure and advise you on the decision to undergo surgery.
Candidates
All patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome are ideal candidates for this surgery. Additionally:
- Patients who have not resolved carpal tunnel issues through conservative treatment methods
- Patients experiencing pain, tingling, and loss of strength in the hand
- Patients with progressively worsening symptoms
Preparation
Before the surgical procedure, the doctor will examine all symptoms, identify the cause of compression, assess the extent of nerve damage, and explain the carpal tunnel surgery. Afterward, the surgical intervention is arranged, usually performed under local anesthesia. It is advisable to quit smoking a month before the surgery and stop taking aspirin and herbal supplements that may affect blood coagulation two weeks before the surgery, as part of the preparation.
Operation time
Local anesthesia is administered to the wrist area to block the nerves of the affected hand. An incision is made on the inner side of the wrist, on the palm side. From there, access is gained to the transverse carpal ligament, located above and forming the roof of the carpal tunnel. This ligament is cut, releasing the median nerve from pressure. Afterward, the incision is sutured, concluding the intervention. The duration of the surgery is between 30 and 45 minutes.
Recovery
The patient goes home after the surgery. The hand will be bandaged, but the use of fingers and gentle use of the hand is allowed. Dressing changes are performed on the second or third day, with stitches removed after 14 days.
Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery involves avoiding excessive use of the hand, lifting heavy objects, and movements that can exert pressure on the wrist.
Safety precautions
In the first days of recovery, swelling and bruising of the operated hand may occur but quickly subside. Numbness of the hand is common and usually resolves within a few days. Patients should be aware that even after the surgery, symptoms of the damaged median nerve may persist, as it takes some time for the nerve to fully recover, depending on the degree of damage. The nerve recovery period can range from 6 to 12 months.
Adhering to preoperative and postoperative doctor's advice can help prevent any complications and ensure the proper recovery of the operated hand.
Price
The cost of carpal tunnel surgery at Colić Hospital is 1200 euros. Services included in the price are:
- The surgery itself
- Short hospital stay
- Necessary medications
- Postoperative check-ups and dressings
- Suture removal
What is not included in the price of the procedure is the initial examination with the doctor, blood and ECG tests, specialist examinations outside the hospital, costs before admission to the hospital, telephone costs, and medications that the patient takes at home before or after the procedure.