The hand surgeon will inject a local anaesthetic at the wrist and hand.

Once the area is numb a small cut will be made in the base of the palm of your hand, about 1cm-1.5cm long. Through this incision, the surgeon will cut through the band of tissue on the carpal tunnel releasing the compression on the nerve. During the procedure, a blood pressure cuff will be inflated on the upper arm to reduce blood flow to the operating field.

The procedure takes on average 15 minutes.

Once the cut has been sutured and a dressing applied your doctor will go through the aftercare with you and arrange the follow-up appointments.

Guidelines – preparing for carpal tunnel surgery:

1. We would advise you not to drive to the clinic on the day of your operation as you will have a bandage on your hand after the procedure.
2. Wear loose comfortable clothing above the waist.
3. You do NOT need to stop taking your blood-thinning medication prior to surgery.
4. Continue taking all your regular medications as normal.
5. If you wear rings check that they can be removed easily.
6. You may eat and drink normally as the procedure will be carried out in local anaesthetic.

The anaesthetic will take a few hours to wear off so you may still have some tingling in your hand.

Your hand will be slightly swollen and this is helped by elevating your hand above your heart. Sometimes people like to wear a sling to help them remember. This settles over a week or so

Pain settles over a few days and you will need to keep the wound covered until the stitches are removed 10-14 days later.

A gentle movement of the fingers is encouraged from day 1 and very light normal daily use is also advised.

Pain directly at the incision is typically only present for days or weeks after the surgery simple oral medication such as ibuprofen will be sufficient.

Protecting the incision can help alleviate pain, and it’s important to avoid lifting or gripping for several weeks after carpal tunnel surgery.

Once your sutures are removed, you can increase activities as tolerated but avoid heavy repetitive activities for 4 weeks after surgery. Most patients who have carpal tunnel release regain full use of their hand, with full motion and return of strength within about 4 weeks after their surgery.

1. Sleep with the hand outstretched on a pillow.
2. Keep your arm elevated to reduce swelling.
3. The local anaesthetic can take up to 8 hours to wear off so hand may still feel a bit tingly for this time.
4. On Day 1 after surgery start to do the finger mobility exercises as demonstrated to you by your surgeon.
5. Leave the outer dressings on for 2-3 days and try to keep dry. After this, the thicker bandage can be removed.
6. A wound check will take place 4-6 days after surgery.
7. Your sutures will be removed between days 10-14 after surgery.
8. Avoid putting pressure on the wound during the healing phase (first 2 weeks) however light use of the operated hand for everyday activities such as dressing, cooking etc. is encouraged.
9. Take oral pain medication as instructed by your surgeon.
10. You may experience some discomfort in the days following your surgery however on any increasing pain, redness, swelling, temperatures please contact the clinic on 02073860464
11. Once the sutures have been removed care for your scar by massaging and moisturising it daily.
12. Heavy lifting and sports that involve the hand should be avoided for 4 weeks post-surgery.
13. Depending on your job you can normally return to work after 1-2 weeks

Do not drive unless you feel completely safe and ready to do so. You should not drive while under the influence of local anaesthetic or pain/painkillers that make you lose concentration or feel tired.

Before you drive, check that you can move your hand and wrist as fully as you need to drive safely. You need to be able to grip and control the steering wheel and gearstick, plus ensure that you are fully able to perform an emergency stop.

When you feel ready, start with a short journey with a friend or family member.

You should check with your insurance company whether your cover is affected, but you don’t need to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about carpal tunnel surgery unless recovery is likely to take over 3 months.

Most people take 1-2 weeks off work depending on their job. If it is a more manual or high repetitive type of work a longer period of recuperation may be required.

Carpal tunnel appointments and treatment are available at our clinic in Harley Street, London.

The clinic is fully registered with Care Quality Commission.

For detailed information:

AFTERCARE LEAFLET