Two types of surgery are used to treat CTS: open and endoscopic.

• Open surgery. With open surgery, your surgeon makes 1 cut (incision) in your palm. Standard surgical tools are used.

• Endoscopic surgery. For this surgery, 1 or 2 small incisions are made in your hand or wrist. A thin tube with a very small camera attached (endoscope) is inserted under the carpal ligament. Tiny tools are inserted there as well. The surgeon then operates while watching images on a video screen. Each procedure has the same goal: Your surgeon will relieve pressure on the median nerve. To do this, the transverse carpal ligament is cut (released).

If you’ve had carpal tunnel surgery, you will spend a few hours resting before you go home. The nerve sensation and blood circulation in your hand will be checked at this time. For the safest healing, do the following:

• Keep your hand raised above heart level. This will help reduce swelling.

• Limit hand and wrist use as instructed. You may need a wrist brace.

• Take any pain medicine as directed.

• Do hand exercises as directed by your surgeon or therapist.

Call your surgeon if you notice any of the following:

• White or pale-blue hand or nails (you pinch your skin or nail and the color doesn’t return)

• Pain that is not relieved by prescribed medicine

• Loss of sensation or excess swelling in hand or fingers

• Pus-like liquid oozing out of your wound

• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)