About Carpal Tunnel Release
Key Highlights
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Effectively relieves pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.Prevents permanent nerve damage and muscle wasting in the hand.Restores grip strength and fine motor function.Can be performed as a minimally invasive (endoscopic) procedure for faster recovery.Typically an outpatient surgery with no overnight hospital stay required.High success rate with significant long-term symptom improvement for most patients./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
- Weakness in the hand, leading to frequent dropping of objects.
- Symptoms that do not improve with non-surgical treatments like wrist splinting, activity modification, or corticosteroid injections.
- Evidence of muscle wasting (atrophy) at the base of the thumb.
- Abnormal nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) confirming moderate to severe median nerve compression.
- Symptoms that significantly interfere with sleep, work, or daily activities.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including a review of medications (especially blood thinners).
- Undergo pre-operative tests as advised, which may include blood work and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Stop smoking and avoid alcohol for a period recommended by your surgeon to promote healing.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility, as you will not be able to drive.
- Fast (no food or drink) for the number of hours specified by your surgical team prior to the procedure.
- Discuss anesthesia options (typically local with sedation or regional block) with your anesthesiologist.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or formation of a hematoma (collection of blood).
- Injury to the median nerve or surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or tendons.
- Scar tenderness or formation of a painful scar (pillar pain).
- Incomplete relief of symptoms or recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Stiffness in the wrist or fingers.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (a chronic pain condition).
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- The hand will be bandaged and may be placed in a splint or light bandage for 1-2 weeks to protect the incision.
- Keep the hand elevated as much as possible for the first few days to reduce swelling.
- Manage pain with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed.
- Begin gentle finger and thumb motion exercises immediately after surgery to prevent stiffness.
- Keep the incision clean and dry; follow specific instructions for wound care and bathing.
- Attend follow-up appointments for stitch removal (if non-dissolvable) and progress evaluation.
- Gradually resume light activities; avoid heavy lifting, forceful gripping, or repetitive wrist motions for 4-6 weeks or as advised.
- Formal hand therapy may be recommended to optimize strength and range of motion.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient) or 1 day
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Expected recovery time: 2-3 weeks for light activities, 6-12 weeks for full strength
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering carpal tunnel release in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for carpal tunnel release in India include Medanta The Medicity, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Miot Hospital Chennai, Nanavati Max Hospital, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform carpal tunnel release. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for carpal tunnel release compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 381 – USD 1,305 | 0 days (Outpatient) or 1 day | ~ 2-3 weeks for light activities, 6-12 weeks for full strength | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 2,818 – USD 9,663 | 0 days (Outpatient) or 1 day | ~ 2-3 weeks for light activities, 6-12 weeks for full strength | Know More |
Top hospitals for Carpal Tunnel Release in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing carpal tunnel release.
Had my gallbladder out at MGM....
Had my gallbladder out at MGM. Dr. Vinod was really clear about what to expect after. The first couple days were rough, I won't lie, but his team had a good plan for the pain that actually worked. Follow-up was simple, he just told me to take it easy and call if anything felt off. Felt normal again quicker than I thought.
Orthopedists for Carpal Tunnel Release
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform carpal tunnel release and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
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Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur
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Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
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Manipal Hospital Dhakuria