Recommendations prior to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery

• Before undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, there are some aspects that must be known beforehand.
• Among other recommendations, it is important to know the duration, recovery time, anaesthesia, etc.
• In this article, we talk about all the recommendations prior to carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

If you are reading this article, it is very likely that you or a relative is about to undergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome or that, on the contrary, you are considering undergoing this surgery. You don't need to worry, as it is a very simple operation, as long as it is carried out by an expert surgeon, so although it is very important to you, as you are the one having the operation, the surgery is carried out routinely.

Do you need carpal tunnel surgery?

Request a free and immediate appointment with our specialists in Traumatology

Make an appointment

• Hospital stay: Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is an outpatient procedure, so the patient can leave the hospital after the operation without any problem and on their own feet, although it is recommended that someone accompany them as they should not drive after surgery, for obvious reasons.
• Duration of the surgery: The duration of the carpal tunnel syndrome surgery does not usually exceed approximately 30 to 45 minutes, although the time spent in hospital is always slightly longer, due to waiting, preparation, discharge, etc.
• Anaesthesia for the operation: Anaesthesia in carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is usually nerve block anaesthesia, also called truncal anaesthesia, avoiding general or regional anaesthesia, as it allows only a specific area of the body to be anaesthetised, in this case the arm. You can read more about it here.
• Postoperative recovery: In order to return to normal activities, the patient can do so after 2 or 3 weeks, depending on each case and always according to medical indications. Full recovery may take longer, as some rehabilitation may be required.
• Possible rehabilitation: The operation for carpal tunnel syndrome may require specific exercises after the operation, which begin after the recovery period, which can last between 4 and 6 weeks.

Prior to surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a series of steps that the patient must follow in order for the intervention to be carried out with maximum safety guarantees. These are described below:

• Signing of the informed consent: After the specialist explains the entire procedure, as well as the possible (although rare) complications that may arise from carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, the patient must sign the informed consent form to authorise the surgery to be performed.
• Preoperative: The preoperative procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is the same as for any other operation, and is carried out to determine the patient's state of health. There are 3 preoperative tests: a blood test, an electrocardiogram and a chest x-ray, the latter only being carried out if the doctor indicates it.
• Inform about allergies: If the patient has had any allergy problem with anaesthetics, latex, metals, etc., it is important to inform the specialist and anaesthetist so that they are aware of it and thus avoid any problem. In any case, it is usual for the specialist to ask.
• Inform about medication: If the patient is taking medication, whatever the type of medication, even if it is herbal, the doctor should be informed, as it may interfere with the surgery.
• Inform about anticoagulant medication: This is extremely important. If the patient has a previous history of bleeding disorders or is taking medication to thin the blood, such as Sintrom, the doctor should be informed immediately.
• Associated diseases: Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart or respiratory problems should be indicated to the specialist to avoid complications during surgery.
• Possibility of pregnancy: If the patient believes or suspects that she may be pregnant, she should inform the specialist, as in many cases it is not advisable to perform the operation.
• Preparation at home: During the following 15 days, the patient's hand will be immobilised, so help will be required at home for the first few days.

Your surgeon will usually prescribe some pain medication for pain after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, but ask your surgeon anyway, as it may be necessary for discomfort.

• Quitting smoking: Smoking causes problems with circulation and wound healing, so it is important to consider quitting smoking. However, the anxiety of quitting can be worse, so it is sometimes not recommended. What is important to know is that recovery can be prolonged if the patient smokes.
• Do not drink alcohol: Again, alcohol is not very healthy, but it is important not to drink alcohol at least 48 hours before surgery. If it can be avoided beforehand, so much the better.
• Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours before surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you are going to undergo carpal tunnel syndrome surgery with us, there are a series of aspects that we recommend you take into account:

• Talk to your patient service advisor: Each of our patients is assigned a patient service advisor who guides you through the entire process, resolves doubts and problems and helps you in any way necessary. Please contact him or her if you have any questions.
• Talk to our specialist: During your consultation with the specialist at Operarme, remember to ask him/her any questions you may have about the surgery. It is a very simple procedure, but we recommend that you ask him or her about any doubts you may have.
• Read the opinions of other patients: Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is a surgery that we perform very regularly at Operarme. Many of our patients leave their testimonials on the website so that future patients can see them. 

If you are thinking of having carpal tunnel syndrome surgery with us, remember that you can request a free surgical assessment consultation with one of our specialists in Traumatology to assess your case, and decide the best option for surgery. You can request a free consultation by clicking below:

Do you need carpal tunnel surgery?

Request a free and immediate appointment with our specialists in Traumatology

Make an appointment