Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery

In endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut. This releases the median nerve.

Endoscopic surgery uses a thin tube with a camera attached (endoscope). The endoscope is guided through a small incision in the wrist (single-portal technique) or at the wrist and palm (two-portal technique). The endoscope lets the doctor see structures in the wrist (such as the transverse carpal ligament) without opening the entire area with a large incision.

The cutting tools used in endoscopic surgery are very tiny. They also are inserted through the small incisions in the wrist or wrist and palm. In the single-portal technique, one small tube contains both the camera and a cutting tool.

During endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut. This releases pressure on the median nerve. So the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are relieved.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerHerbert von Schroeder, MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery
Last RevisedOctober 2, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 2, 2012
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Herbert von Schroeder, MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery

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