Direct access Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Patient Information
Orthopaedic Service, Wellington Hospital
Your doctor has referred you to the hospital
because you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
This diagnosis has been confirmed by the tests
that you have already had done. Your referral has
been reviewed by an orthopaedic specialist who
believes you will benefit from Carpal Tunnel
surgery.
You do not need to see the orthopaedic specialist
before your surgery. However, if you would prefer
to meet and talk to the specialist before your
surgery please call the Orthopaedic Service on
(04) 806 1863 to arrange an appointment.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
One of the major nerves that provides feeling
over most of the palm and fingers of your hand
passes through a narrow tunnel at the base of
your hand. This is called the carpal tunnel. For
many reasons the pressure in this tunnel can
increase causing the nerve to become irritable
and stop working properly. This can cause you to
have numbness, tingling and pain or a mixture of
these symptoms. The symptoms will usually
become worse during the night or when
performing certain activities during the day.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treated?
The pressure on the nerve is relieved by making
more room for the nerve inside the carpal tunnel.
The ligament that forms the roof of the carpal
tunnel is cut during a short day case surgical
operation under local anaesthesia. The ligament
will heal itself over the next 2 to 3 weeks so that it
still works as a ligament, but it will not be as tight
and pressing on your nerve. If you have been
diagnosed with Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
your second hand will be operated on about 2
months after the first hand.
How is the surgery performed?
One of our nurse’s will give you a phone call 1-2
weeks before your surgery (operation) date. The
nurse will confirm the time and date of your
surgery and give you any instructions you may
need before your day of surgery.
What do I need to do before coming into
hospital?
Before you come into hospital for your operation
please take off any jewellery and body piercings
and leave them at home. If you have a religious
medal / body taonga or wedding ring that you do
not want to remove, this can be covered in tape
by the hospital staff on the day of your surgery (as
long as it is not on hand having the surgery).
You will need to arrange for someone to collect
you from the hospital after your surgery (You
should not drive while you are one handed).
What happens at the hospital?
You will be admitted to hospital and asked to
change into a theatre gown and hat. You will
have an opportunity to talk to your surgeon about
your surgery and have any questions you have
answered. The surgeon will then ask you to sign a
consent form for your operation. When you are
taken to the operating theatre you will be made
comfortable on the operating table. Equipment
similar to a blood pressure cuff may be put on
your upper arm. It may be inflated (pumped up)
during the surgery to control any bleeding.
An injection of local anaesthetic will be put into the
base of your palm. This will numb the area of
covering skin where the operation will be done. A
nurse will then paint your hand and forearm with
an antiseptic (germ killing) solution and wrap your
arm in sterile drapes. Your surgeon will check that
the skin in the operation area has gone numb.
The blood-pressure cuff will then be inflated
(pumped up). Your operation will be carried out.
At the end of the surgery a dressing will be put on
your hand, the blood-pressure cuff will be let down
and you will be asked to move back to your bed.
Warning: Some of the local anaesthetic may
trickle onto the nerve once it has been exposed
causing the nerve to become numb. This is
normal and may last for 2 – 12 hours, depending
on the local anaesthetic used. You should avoid
handling anything sharp or hot while your fingers
are numb.
Page 1 of 2
What happens after the surgery?
Who do I contact if I have any concerns?
You will be taken to a recovery area where you
will be given a drink and biscuit. You can then
change back into your own clothes.
If you have any concerns or worries about your
hand you should contact your usual doctor (G.P.)
You will then be able to go home. You should
already arranged for someone to collect you from
the hospital (You should not drive while you are
one handed).
For about the next 2 weeks you will be able to
use your fingers for light activity, but it will hurt if
you try to do anything rough or heavy.
How long will I need to have off work?
If you need to use the hand you had your surgery
for work e.g. Mechanic /furniture removal /heavy
lifting, you will need to have 3 – 4 weeks off work.
Are there any alternatives to having
surgery?
If you choose not to have the surgery to relieve
the pressure on the nerve, then you risk
permanent damage to the nerve.
Contact details
Orthopaedic Service
Capital & Coast District Health Board
Phone (04) 806 1863
8am - 4pm Monday – Friday (excluding public
holidays). A message can be left on the answer
machine outside of these times.
If you are able to do your job without using the
hand you had your surgery on you will need 3-7
days off work.
You will be given a work certificate when you are
discharged after your surgery.
How do I care for my wound?
You must keep your wound dry until it has healed
and the stiches have been removed.
CapitalDocs ID 1.101955 Issued June 2014
Review June 2017
Page 2 of 2