Doctor Rehman Discusses the Risks of Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal Tunnel surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries performed in the United States. The risk and complication rates for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery are extremely low.

More than 400,000 Carpal Tunnel Surgeries are performed in the U.S. annual – with a complication rate generally believed to be under 2%.

Risks of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

The risk and complication rates for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery are extremely low.

Possible, but very rare, complications from include injury to nerves, blood vessels, and tendons – with problems such as nerve damage occurring in less than 1% of patients.

With any surgery, there is also the slight risk of infection. However, the very small incision size of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery reduces the rate of infection considerably. Proper aftercare, carefully following the instructions of your endoscopic carpal tunnel surgeon, will further minimize the possibility of infection.

Since endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is done with local anesthesia, and you are not “put under”, there is not the risks associated with being anesthetized.

There does seem to be a very small but statistically higher incidence of recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome after endoscopic surgery, compared with traditional open release surgery – although this is not true in all cases.

Risks of Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery

The risk and complication rates of Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery are also extremely low. As with endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, serious problems such as nerve damage happen in less than 1% of patients.

As with any type of surgery, there is a small but possible risk of infection. This may be slightly higher in open carpal tunnel surgery, because the incision is bigger. However, with careful incision aftercare the possibility of infection is reduced dramatically.

Because open carpal tunnel surgery has a larger incision, it may also have a longer recovery period, with somewhat more discomfort than endoscopic surgery. Also because of the larger incision, open carpal tunnel surgery typically results in more tenderness of the scar area than does endoscopic surgery.

Which is Better Endoscopic or Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

In the early days of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery there seemed to be a slightly higher risk of complication. However, now that the technique has been perfected, recent medical studies have determined that there is an equally small complication rate with endoscopic and open carpal tunnel surgery.

Most people who have surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome have no or very minor side effects – such as tenderness – making the surgery well worth it to get rid of pain and numbness in their hand and wrist!

If you think you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, contact Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. She will help you decide whether Open Release Carpal Tunnel Surgery or Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery is right for your unique situation.

Carpal Tunnel Doctor Clarkston, MI Area

As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Call Dr. Rehman today to schedule an office visit – and take the first step toward relief from your hand and wrist pain!

Clarkston Area Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor: 248.335.2638