Surgery may be done if your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) symptoms become severe. Or, you may have surgery if no other treatment brings relief. 

Preparing for Surgery

• In the weeks before surgery, if you are a smoker, do your best to quit smoking. Quitting can limit problems after surgery. It may even help speed healing.
• Tell Dr. Nguyen about medications you take. This includes aspirin or other blood thinners.
• You will be told about the type of anesthetic (medication to prevent feeling pain) given during surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything after the midnight before surgery, or as directed.

The Goal of Surgery

The goal remains the same: Dr. Nguyen will relieve pressure on the median nerve. To do this, the transverse carpal ligament is cut (released). Surgery for CTS often takes about an hour.

Possible Risks

Dr. Nguyen will discuss the possible risks of carpal tunnel surgery. Although very rare, they include the following:

• Damage to nerves or blood vessels
• Unrelieved symptoms
• Infection

Open Surgery

With open surgery, Dr. Nguyen makes one incision in your palm. Then he releases the transverse carpal ligament. Standard surgical tools are used.

Call Dr. Nguyen if you notice any of the following:

• White or pale-blue hands or nails
• ^{(You pinch your skin or nails and the color doesn't return)}
• Pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication
• Loss of sensation or excess swelling in hand or fingers
• Fever of 101° F

After Carpal Tunnel Surgery

If you've had carpal tunnel surgery, you will spend a few hours resting before you go home. The nerve sensation and circulation in your hand will be checked at this time. For the safest healing, keep the following in mind:

• Keep your hand raised above heart level. This will help reduce swelling.
• Limit hand and wrist use as instructed.
• Take any pain medication as directed.
• Do hand exercises as directed by Dr. Nguyen. These can help you ease into action.