What is it?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a painful, progressive condition caused by the compression of your median nerve in your wrist. You may experience tingling and numbness of the thumb, index and the middle fingers or hand/wrist pain. This condition is common among people who perform repetitive motions with their hand and wrist such as typing.
Carpal Tunnel Release is performed to alleviate the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
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Do I need it?
The choice of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms and any underlying disease that might be causing the symptoms.
If there is no improvement with conservative measures and medication, you might require Carpal Tunnel Release. This procedure involves release of the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
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How do I prepare?
Your doctor will enquire about your general health and assess your fitness for surgery.
Inform your doctor if:
a. You or your immediate family has had any problems with anesthesia
b. You are taking medication or have used steroids in the past year
c. You have a bleeding disorder
d. You have sickle cell anemia
e. You are pregnant or
f. You have concerns about the transfusion of blood
Selected blood tests and possibly a Chest X-ray and Electrocardiogram (ECG) may be required prior to surgery.
You should not take aspirin, or medications containing aspirin, for at least 2 weeks before the surgery.
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What to expect
This procedure usually takes less than thirty minutes. It is mostly performed under local or regional anesthesia.
Carpal Tunnel Release can be performed under arthroscopic guidance or open surgery. Your doctor will be the best person to advise you on the different methods of surgery available.
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Next actions
You will be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit where the nursing staff will observe you until you are discharged.
Before leaving, you should have:
a. A medical certificate
b. A prescription written by your doctor and
c. A return appointment at the clinic for your post-operative visit.
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