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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryPain and pain management Use of medications Effectiveness of medications Important side effects Hospital stay Recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital Hospital discharge Convalescent assistance RehabilitationConclusion

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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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Recovering from surgery

Pain and pain management

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. The patients often use oral medication after the surgery for a few days. Oral medications include synthetic narcotics such as oxycodone or hydrocodone.

Use of medications

Patients receive oral and intravenous pain medication in the recovery room. A prescription for oral pain medication is given to the patients at the time that they leave the surgery center.

Effectiveness of medications

Pain medications can be very powerful and effective. Their proper use lies in the balancing of their pain relieving effect and their other, less desirable effects. The patients often advance to Tylenol or ibuprofen within a day or two.

Important side effects

Pain medications can cause drowsiness, slowness of breathing, difficulties in emptying the bladder and bowel, nausea, vomiting and allergic reactions. Patients who have taken substantial narcotic medications in the recent past may find that usual doses of pain medication are less effective. For some patients, balancing the benefit and the side effects of pain medication is challenging. Patients should notify their surgeon if they have had previous difficulties with pain medication or pain control.

Hospital stay

The patients are usually monitored for an hour in the recovery area. Instructions for office appointments, post-operative instructions, and pain medication are provided. The patients are escorted out of the surgery center by a family member or friend.

Recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital

The patients are encouraged to change their bandages to a small Band-Aid two days after surgery. About 10 days after surgery, their sutures are removed and a therapy program is reviewed with them with instructions for them to take home. Patients are advised to avoid heavy activities for about a month after surgery.

Hospital discharge

Convalescent assistance

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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