Carpal tunnel
About carpal tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist.
Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and fingers, which can significantly impact daily life, work, and sleep.
Procedure details
Suitability
Carpal tunnel surgery aims to relieve pressure on the median nerve and restore hand function.
Surgery is recommended when non-operative treatment is unsuccessful or when structural correction is required.
Costs
The cost of carpal tunnel surgery varies depending on the complexity of the condition, whether private health insurance is involved, and whether the procedure is performed as a day case or requires hospital admission.
Costs are inclusive of the surgeon’s fee, hospital or day surgery fees, anaesthetist’s fee, and routine follow-up appointments.
A detailed estimate will be provided following your consultation with Dr Ellis.
Consultation and pre-operative planning
Your pre-operative planning is conducted at our Mornington clinic with Dr Lisa Ellis and our experienced plastic surgery nursing team.
During your consultation, we will:
Discuss your symptoms, duration, and impact on daily life
Review previous treatments and imaging (nerve conduction studies may be requested)
Assess hand strength, sensation, and movement
Evaluate the severity of nerve compression
The goals of surgery will be discussed, including expectations for pain relief, improved sensation, and restoration of hand function. Where possible, conservative options such as splinting or therapy will be considered before recommending surgery.
Your overall health and suitability for anaesthesia will also be reviewed, with detailed instructions provided for preparation and recovery.
Surgical technique
Carpal tunnel surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital.
The procedure involves releasing the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Incisions are made carefully to minimise scarring and protect surrounding nerves and tendons.
Surgery duration is generally around 30minutes, depending on complexity.
Post-operative dressings and a light splint are applied to support healing and protect the surgical site.
Local anaesthetic is often used to reduce bleeding and assist with pain control during and after surgery.
Recovery and results
Canvas Plastic Surgery provides tailored post-operative care.
Most hand procedures are performed as day surgery.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure and your daily demands.
Hand therapy is often needed to restore strength, flexibility, and function while minimising stiffness.
Your return to work and daily activities varies depending on your occupation:
Light duties: 2-3 weeks
Manual/physically demanding work: 4–6 weeks
Full symptom relief and functional recovery may take several months, particularly in cases with long-standing nerve compression.
Post-procedure timeline
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Elevate the hand to reduce swelling
Gentle finger movement is encouraged, unless otherwise directed
Pain is managed with paracetamol or short-term stronger analgesia
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Review in rooms to check wound healing and change dressings
Swelling, mild stiffness, or discomfort is common
Hand therapy may continue
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Gradual return to normal activities
Splint may be removed
Sutures removed
Strengthening exercises guided by hand therapist
Heavier lifting restricted
Other considerations
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There are many potential complications from surgery and thankfully, the majority of these are extremely rare.
Bleeding, infections, wound healing problems and scars are potential complications of any procedure.
Complications will be discussed during your consultation with specific relevance to the surgery you will be having.
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Contact Canvas Plastic Surgery to obtain specific information about your condition and treatment options.