A new, less invasive approach to carpal tunnel surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) develops when the median nerve is compressed. Along with others, the median nerve controls feeling and movement in the hands.

The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage in the wrist made up of small bones and soft tissue. This acts as a pulley for the tendons that bend the fingers.

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a relatively common medical condition affecting the hand and wrist. Symptoms are usually experienced in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. Discomfort can be particularly evident at night.

Symptoms can include:

• numbness and tingling
• weakness in the thumb
• dull ache in the hand or arm
• discomfort, especially at night
• sensitivity to touch.

Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome

The causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are still relatively unknown. However, contributing factors are thought to include the following:

• a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome
• injury to the wrist
• pregnancy
• conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
• repetitive use of the hand(s).

Keyhole carpal tunnel surgery is carried out via a very small hole in the skin – similar to the size of an injection site – by the wrist.

The instruments needed to carry out the surgery are inserted through this tiny hole and are monitored (along with the ligament and nerve) using an ultrasound scanning device. The procedure sees the carpal ligament cut from the inside.

One of the main benefits of keyhole carpal tunnel surgery is the absence of a scar. Instead, following surgery, you’ll only have a small sticky plaster during recovery.

We’ve looked at the symptoms of carpal tunnel and how the keyhole surgery works, now it’s time for the benefits.

Although it varies from patient-to-patient, one of the main benefits is the faster recovery. Most keyhole carpal tunnel surgery patients can look forward to a faster return to work and regular activities than those that have had open surgery.

Another benefit of the keyhole technique is the minimal scarring – so you won’t have to conjure up any stories of shark attacks! In fact, you won’t even need stitches; the incision is a similar size to an injection!

A word from Alison Edwards:

“Minimal access surgery has the potential to get people back to their life, work, and hobbies quicker, minimising scars and wound management which are a frequent cause of difficulty and disruption to everyday activities after surgery.”

Alison Edwards, hand and wrist consultant at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet

So, you’ve had the surgery, now what? How will you feel immediately afterwards? And how long is it going to take before you can get back to normal life? For a deep dive, check out our dedicated carpal tunnel surgery recovery guide, but if you’d prefer a brief overview, read on!

The first few days after surgery

In the first few days after surgery, there will be some bruising, swelling and minor discomfort in the wrist. The good news is most patients’ symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome resolve within a few days.

Week-by-week recovery

As the weeks go by, there will be some tenderness around where the procedure has been performed. This is the same as with open surgery and you can expect this to gradually decrease until the six week mark when most patients report no residual pain at all.

Returning to work

It’s good news if you love your job – most keyhole carpal tunnel surgery patients are able to return to work within just two or three weeks of the procedure.

Thanks to Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you’ll have your initial consultation within 1-2 weeks of your booking enquiry. Your actual surgery will take place just 4-6 weeks after this. Please note that keyhole carpal tunnel surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet is not currently available for NHS patients.

To help provide context around these Wellsoon waiting times, according to the My Planned Care site, the current waiting time for orthopaedics at the nearby Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is currently 17 weeks for a consultation, followed by a further 19 weeks for treatment.¹

At Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, you can only access keyhole carpal tunnel surgery as a private patient. You can do this the following ways:

Paying for yourself
For those wishing to pay for themselves, this is done either in a one-off lump sum or by spreading the cost using a payment plan.

Private health insurance
Patients with existing private health insurance will need to first check their policy covers the procedure before booking keyhole carpal tunnel surgery.
Please note that keyhole carpal tunnel surgery is not available via the NHS.

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