Surgery for carpal tunnel release | Brisbane & Gold coast

Carpal tunnel surgery

Learn what carpal tunnel release surgery involves, when it may be considered, and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

Surgery for carpal tunnel release

How is carpal tunnel release surgery performed?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can make everyday hand use frustrating. You may notice tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, or a feeling that your hand is not working the way it should. These symptoms often affect the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger.

At Queensland Hand Surgery, we see patients in Brisbane and the Gold Coast who are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. For some people, symptoms improve with splinting, hand therapy or other non-surgical treatment. For others, carpal tunnel surgery may be recommended.

Dr Andrew Hadj

Plastic Surgeon Queensland Hand Surgery

Carpal tunnel surgery is also known as surgery for carpal tunnel release. The aim is to take pressure off the median nerve at the wrist, giving it more space and a better chance to recover.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

This can cause:

tingling or pins and needles
numbness in the hand or fingers
pain that may be worse at night
weakness when gripping objects
dropping things more often
difficulty with fine hand movements

Some people have mild symptoms that come and go. Others have symptoms that become more constant and start to affect sleep, work, driving, hobbies or daily tasks.

A hand surgeon can assess your symptoms and talk with you about the most appropriate next step.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can happen for a number of reasons. Sometimes there is no single clear cause.

It may be linked with:

repetitive hand use
inflammation around the tendons
arthritis or other degenerative changes
previous wrist trauma
pregnancy
swelling around the wrist
some medical conditions

Anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome. It is often seen in manual workers, older patients and women during pregnancy, although it can affect people outside these groups too.

When is carpal tunnel surgery considered?

Surgery for carpal tunnel release is usually considered when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or not improving with non-surgical treatment.

Before carpal tunnel surgery is discussed, treatment may include splinting, hand therapy, activity changes or exercises to help improve movement around the nerve. A nerve conduction study may also be arranged to assess how the nerve is working.

If these steps do not help, or if there are signs of more significant nerve compression, your hand surgeon may talk with you about carpal tunnel release surgery.

Hand surgery Brisbane & Gold coast

What happens during carpal tunnel release surgery?

Carpal tunnel release surgery is usually a day procedure, which means most patients go home the same day.

The surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. Your hand surgeon will talk with you about which option is most suitable for you, based on your health, symptoms, preferences and the planned procedure.

The operation itself usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 1: Making the incision

A small incision is made from the base of the wrist into the palm.

This gives the surgeon access to the carpal tunnel and the ligament that sits over the median nerve.

Step 2: Releasing the ligament

The ligament is carefully released to open the carpal tunnel.

This is the key part of surgery for carpal tunnel release. It reduces pressure on the median nerve and creates more space for the nerve inside the wrist.

Step 3: Closing and dressing the hand

The incision is closed and a dressing is applied.

Before you go home, you will be given instructions about keeping the dressing dry, elevating your hand, moving your fingers gently, and what to do if you have any concerns.

Risks and possible complications

All surgery has risks, even when it is commonly performed.

Possible risks of carpal tunnel surgery include:

bleeding or bruising
infection
scar sensitivity
stiffness
swelling
delayed wound healing
ongoing numbness or symptoms
nerve or tendon injury, which is uncommon but possible
need for further treatment or hand therapy

Your hand surgeon will discuss these risks with you before surgery, including anything specific to your health, work or hand condition.

Recovery after carpal tunnel surgery

Recovery after carpal tunnel surgery is different for each person. Some symptoms may improve quickly, while others take time, especially if the nerve has been compressed for a long period.

In the first few days, it is normal to have some swelling, bruising or mild discomfort. Keeping your hand elevated and following your post-operative instructions can help.

You will usually be encouraged to gently move your fingers early, but you will need to avoid heavy gripping, lifting or forceful hand use while the wound heals.

Sutures are commonly reviewed or removed at around two weeks. Scar care, compression and hand therapy may be recommended to support your recovery.

Where in Queensland can I have carpal tunnel surgery?

Queensland Hand Surgery sees patients in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast for carpal tunnel surgery and hand surgery consultations.

In Brisbane, consultations are available at Mater Private Clinic. On the Gold Coast, consultations are available at Shop 9/109 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Waters.

Carpal tunnel surgery may be performed in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast, depending on your needs and the most appropriate hospital setting. Hospital locations may include Mater Private Hospital, Herston Private Hospital, South Brisbane Day Hospital, Miami Private Hospital and Gold Coast Private Hospital.

During your consultation, your hand surgeon will explain where your surgery for carpal tunnel release may take place and what to expect before and after the procedure.

Is carpal tunnel surgery the only option?

No. Many people try splinting, hand therapy or activity changes first. Surgery may be considered if symptoms continue, worsen, or if tests suggest more significant nerve compression.No. Many people try splinting, hand therapy or activity changes first. Surgery for carpal tunnel release may be considered if symptoms continue, worsen, or if tests suggest more significant nerve compression.

Questions about choosing a hand surgeon for carpal tunnel surgery?

Dr Andrew Hadj usually performs hand surgeries at Queensland Hand Surgery. Learn more about choosing a hand surgeon for carpal tunnel release surgery on Dr Andrew Hadj’s website.

Can I have carpal tunnel surgery in Brisbane?

Yes. Queensland Hand Surgery sees patients in Brisbane and performs surgery at Brisbane hospital locations.

Can I have carpal tunnel surgery on the Gold Coast?

Yes. Queensland Hand Surgery consults and operates on the Gold Coast as well as in Brisbane.

My GP thinks I might have carpal tunnel syndrome. What happens now?

If your GP has mentioned carpal tunnel syndrome, it is a good idea to have your symptoms, hand strength and nerve function reviewed by a carpal tunnel surgeon in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast.

Please bring your referral, any nerve conduction test results, relevant imaging and a list of your current medications to your appointment. From there, your surgeon can explain the likely cause of your symptoms and talk through the next steps. This may include splinting, hand therapy, further testing or, in some cases, carpal tunnel release surgery.

Learn more about seeing a carpal tunnel surgeon in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast here.