Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery In Sydney
- Are you experiencing tingling and numbness in the fingers especially at night time?
- Do you occasionally feel pain in the arms?
- Do your fingers seem frozen from time to time?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is usually brought on by increased pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeons Dr Varun Harish and Dr Hari Alani offer surgical relief for this condition.
They perform a range of Hand Surgery in locations across Sydney, Southwest Sydney and Southern Highlands. The main Pure Visage Plastic Surgery Clinic is located in Gregory Hills.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when pressure builds up due to swelling in the tunnel where the median nerve and nine tendons pass from the forearm into the hand. When the pressure reaches the point where it disturbs how the nerve works, you may start to feel symptoms such as:
- tingling
- numbness
- pain in the arm, hand and/or fingers
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be, in some cases, treated surgically to enlarge the carpal tunnel and decrease the pressure on the nerve.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Unfortunately, the cause of CTS is often unknown. The reason for this is that pressure on the nerve can be caused by:
- tenosynovitis swelling of the lining of the flexor tendons
- joint dislocations
- fractures
- arthritis – narrowing the tunnel
- keeping the wrist bent for long periods of time
It may be one or more of these that causes Carpal tunnel syndrome.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
To properly diagnose this condition a detailed medical history is required, and x-rays may be taken to check for problems such as arthritis or fractures. An electrodiagnostic study (either NCV-nerve conduction velocities or EMG-electromyogram) will be carried out to confirm the diagnoses of CTS, as well as other possible nerve problems.
Non-surgical treatment for CTS
It is possible for the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome to be alleviated without surgery. Non-surgical options include:
- Changing the pattern of hand use
- Wearing wrist splints to keep your wrists straight
- Steroid injection into the carpal tunnel
Surgical treatment for CTS
If these non-surgical options are inefficient, or your condition is too severe, our surgeons offer a surgical option. Surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome involves decreasing the pressure on the nerve by cutting the ligament which forms the roof of the tunnel on the palm side of your hand.
It is important to keep in mind that carpal tunnel syndrome, in severe cases, may never be cured. However, with surgery, it is possible to alleviate symptoms.
After surgery, you may experience some discomfort around the treated area, which will dissipate in 1-2 weeks. Additionally, it may take a few weeks for strength to return completely to your hand.
How much is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery? – Surgery Costs & fees
At your initial consultation, you will be given a detailed quote for the procedure. This will include a Surgeon’s fee, an Anaesthetist fee and hospital fees.
The Pure Visage team will provide you a customised quote for your surgery depending on the type of procedure, hospital and how long you will need to stay in the hospital after surgery.
An approximate fee range for your Carpal tunnel surgery can be provided over the phone when you speak to a Patient Care Advisor. We also provide information on different methods of payment.
Find out more about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery Prices and Consultation Fees. Please phone the clinic for an estimate of Carpal Tunnel surgery prices.
Risks and Complications of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery
Every surgery has risks and possible complications. Dr Kernohan will cover the potential risks and complications during your consultation as part of your informed consent. He will also explain the measures he will take in order to reduce your risks as much as possible.
For more information about the risks of surgery and possible complications
Things you can do to reduce the likelihood of risks and complications occuring
- Read all your surgical documents and follow the instructions of your surgeon precisely.
- Rest and allow time to heal, wear your compression garments as instructed, avoid removing your own bandages or touching at the incision site until it has healed properly.
- Do NOT Smoke at all during the surgical journey – especially critical in the periods before and after surgery
- Be accurate and upfront about ALL your medications, supplements and vitamins that you are currently taking – Tell both your surgeon and your anaesthetist
- When providing your medical history give specific details about ANY past difficulties you have had with surgery, anaesthesia, hospital visits or healing
- Thorough pre-washing of your own body prior to surgery can reduce skin bacteria and risk of infection.
- Successful surgical outcomes are the result of a number of considerations – realistic surgical goals, realistic patient expectations, and a good knowledge and understanding of possible risks and complications.
Dr Varun Harish FRACS (Plas) – Plastic Surgeon
