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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryPreparation Timing Costs Surgical team Finding an experienced surgeon Facilities About the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

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Home « Clinical Services « Hand & Wrist

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

Edited By: Thomas Trumble, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, October 11, 2006

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Preparing for surgery

Preparation

There is very little preparation required prior to endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. The patient should plan on or more weeks off work depending on their type of work. They should plan to minimize the writing and typing for several weeks. They will need to schedule someone to bring them home from surgery.

Timing

In moderate cases the surgery can be delayed until the symptoms of numbness, tingling or pain become bothersome. In severe cases, a long delay can result in the permanent loss of muscle function.

Costs

The surgeon's office should provide a reasonable estimate of:

The surgeon's fee
The hospital fee
The degree to which these should be covered by the patient's insurance

Surgical team

An experienced surgeon who is certified in the technique should perform endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Patients should inquire as to the number of Endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedures that the surgeon performs each year and the number of these procedures performed in the medical center each year.

Finding an experienced surgeon

Not every community has a surgeon who is experienced in endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. Surgeons specializing in shoulder joint replacement may be located through university schools of medicine, county medical societies, or state orthopaedic societies. Other resources include local rheumatologists or professional societies such as the American Society of Hand Surgery.

Facilities

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is usually performed in a skilled and accredited outpatient surgery unit that routinely performs endoscopic or arthroscopic surgery. They have anesthesiologists, nurses and even therapists who are skilled in managing patients with hand surgery.

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4537 to make an appointment.

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