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Carpal tunnel release surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Its aim is to reduce numbness, tingling and pain in the hand and help prevent further nerve damage. At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, the procedure is performed by Dr Krzysztof Gawroński, a specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under WALANT local anaesthesia. You remain awake throughout and can return home the same day after the procedure and a medical assessment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve is compressed within a narrow passage at the wrist. This nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger, and controls some of the muscles that move the thumb.
Typical symptoms include:
Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatment, significantly affect sleep and everyday activities, or there are signs of nerve damage. Increasing hand weakness, constant numbness or muscle wasting should be assessed promptly.
In milder cases, a splint that keeps the wrist in a neutral position at night and changes to activities that aggravate symptoms may help. A corticosteroid injection may provide temporary relief. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the examination findings.
Before surgery, the orthopaedic specialist assesses your symptoms, sensation, muscle strength and any previous test results. Depending on your circumstances, they may recommend nerve conduction studies, sometimes combined with electromyography (EMG), or an ultrasound scan. These tests can help assess the extent of nerve damage and clarify the cause of your symptoms. Your doctor will decide which tests are needed.
Bring any previous test results and a list of your medicines to the consultation. Tell your doctor about previous hand surgery, long-term medical conditions and any problems with circulation in your hand.
WALANT stands for Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet. It means having surgery under local anaesthesia while remaining awake, without sedation and without a tourniquet to control bleeding.
The doctor injects a local anaesthetic with adrenaline, which reduces bleeding in the area being operated on. You can communicate with the team throughout the procedure. Before starting surgery, the doctor checks that the anaesthetic has taken effect.
The injection may cause brief stinging or a feeling of pressure. During the procedure, you may still feel touch and pressure; tell the doctor immediately if you feel any pain.
The surgeon accesses the carpal tunnel and divides the transverse carpal ligament, also known as the flexor retinaculum. This creates more space for the median nerve and reduces pressure on it.
After the procedure, the wound is closed and covered with a dressing. You receive instructions on wound care, activity and follow-up appointments. Your time at the centre also includes preparation and waiting for the anaesthetic to take full effect.
Fasting is usually unnecessary when the procedure is performed under WALANT alone. However, you should follow the individual instructions provided during your assessment.
Your doctor will assess whether WALANT is suitable for you, taking your general health and circulation in the hand into account. Arrange transport home before your procedure.
Pain, swelling and tenderness around the wound may occur after surgery. You will usually be advised to keep the hand elevated and move your fingers gently, following your doctor's instructions. Care for the dressing and wound as advised.
Avoid forceful gripping, heavy lifting and bearing weight through the operated hand until your doctor says it is safe. The timing of stitch removal and your return to work, sport and driving will be agreed individually. Manual work usually requires a longer break than light activities.
Night-time pain and tingling may improve relatively quickly. Recovery of sensation and grip strength often takes weeks or months. If nerve damage is longstanding and advanced, full recovery may not be possible. An important aim of surgery is to help prevent further deterioration in nerve function.
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, scar tenderness and persistent or recurrent symptoms. Injury to the nerve or other structures occurs less commonly. Your doctor will discuss the risks of surgery and anaesthesia during your assessment.
Increasing pain, significant swelling, persistent bleeding, fever or fingers becoming noticeably pale and cold require urgent medical advice.
At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, Dr Krzysztof Gawroński provides preoperative consultations and carpal tunnel release surgery under WALANT local anaesthesia.
Book a consultation through our reception team: call +48 58 719 10 25 or email kontakt@tartaczna2.pl. When booking, please specify that you would like an assessment for carpal tunnel surgery.
