Doctor Rehman Compares Endoscopic & Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery
As board-certified hand surgeon, Dr. Uzma Rehman, always prioritizes conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. These may include wrist splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle modifications. However, in some cases, these methods may not provide sufficient relief from the debilitating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
But when conservative approaches aren’t enough, carpal tunnel surgery becomes a viable and often necessary option for patients seeking to regain their quality of life. It’s important to understand that while surgery may seem daunting, when performed by a skilled, board-certified hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman, it is a safe and highly effective procedure. Most patients report significant improvement in their symptoms and are able to return to their daily activities with renewed comfort and functionality!
Dr. Rehman’s expertise in hand surgery, combined with her commitment to patient care, ensures that those in the Clarkston, MI area who require carpal tunnel surgery are in capable hands. Remember, the goal is not just temporary relief, but a long-term solution that allows you to reclaim your life and activities without the constant burden of carpal tunnel symptoms.
What is Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Open carpal tunnel surgery is a traditional and widely used technique for treating severe carpal tunnel syndrome. In this procedure, Dr. Uzma Rehman, makes a single incision, typically about 2 inches long, in the palm of your hand. This incision allows direct access to the carpal tunnel.
The primary goal of the surgery is to relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. By dividing this ligament, more space is created for the nerve and tendons, alleviating the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Key aspects of open carpal tunnel surgery include:
- Direct Visualization: The surgeon can see the structures clearly, which can be beneficial in complex cases.
- Local Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, meaning you’re awake but your hand is numb.
- Outpatient Procedure: Most patients can go home the same day.
- Recovery Time: While individual experiences may vary, full recovery can take several weeks to a few months.
What is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to the open technique. In this procedure, Dr. Rehman uses specialized tools, including a tiny camera (endoscope), to perform the surgery through one or two small incisions, each typically less than half an inch long.
The endoscope is inserted through these small incisions, allowing Dr. Rehman to view the inside of your carpal tunnel on a video monitor. Using this visual guidance, she then uses specially designed instruments to divide the transverse carpal ligament, thereby releasing pressure on the median nerve.
Key features of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery include:
- Minimal Scarring: Due to smaller incisions, there’s usually less visible scarring.
- Potentially Faster Recovery: Many patients experience a quicker return to daily activities.
- Less Post-operative Pain: Smaller incisions often result in less pain during recovery.
- Outpatient Procedure: Like open surgery, this is typically done on an outpatient basis.
- Specialized Equipment: The procedure requires specific surgical tools and expertise.
Risks of Endoscopic vs. Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal Tunnel surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries performed in the United States. The risk and complication rates for both Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery are extremely low. More than 400,000 Carpal Tunnel Surgeries are performed in the U.S. annual – with a complication rate generally believed to be under 2%.
The risk and complication rates for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery are extremely low. Possible, but very rare, complications from include injury to nerves, blood vessels, and tendons – with problems such as nerve damage occurring in less than 1% of patients.
With any surgery, there is also the slight risk of infection. However, the very small incision size of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery reduces the rate of infection considerably. Proper aftercare, carefully following the instructions of your endoscopic carpal tunnel surgeon, will further minimize the possibility of infection.
Since endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is done with local anesthesia, and you are not “put under”, there is not the risks associated with being anesthetized. There does seem to be a very small but statistically higher incidence of recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome after endoscopic surgery, compared with traditional open release surgery – although this is not true in all cases.
The risk and complication rates of Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery are also extremely low. As with endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, serious problems such as nerve damage happen in less than 1% of patients.
As with any type of surgery, there is a small but possible risk of infection. This may be slightly higher in open carpal tunnel surgery, because the incision is bigger. However, with careful incision aftercare the possibility of infection is reduced dramatically.
Because open carpal tunnel surgery has a larger incision, it may also have a longer recovery period, with somewhat more discomfort than endoscopic surgery. Also because of the larger incision, open carpal tunnel surgery typically results in more tenderness of the scar area than does endoscopic surgery.
Which is Better Endoscopic or Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Both open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery techniques have proven effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. The choice between the two often depends on various factors, including the patient’s specific condition, Dr. Rehman’s assessment, and personal preferences. Here’s a comparison of key aspects:
- Incision Size: Open surgery requires a larger incision (about 2 inches) compared to endoscopic surgery (one or two ½ inch incisions).
- Visibility: Open surgery provides direct visualization of the surgical site, while endoscopic surgery relies on camera imaging.
- Recovery Time: Endoscopic surgery typically allows for faster recovery and return to daily activities.
- Post-operative Pain: Patients often experience less pain after endoscopic surgery due to smaller incisions.
- Scarring: Endoscopic surgery generally results in less visible scarring.
- Complication Rates: Both techniques have similar extremely low complication rates when performed by a board certified hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman.
- Long-term Results: Studies show comparable long-term results for both techniques in relieving carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Both open and endoscopic techniques have proven effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. The choice between them depends on various factors, including the specifics of your condition, Dr. Rehman’s assessment, and your personal preferences. As a board-certified hand surgeon serving the Clarkston, MI area, Dr. Uzma Rehman will discuss these options with you in detail, helping you make an informed decision about your treatment
Carpal Tunnel Doctor Clarkston, MI Area
It’s important to note that the best approach to alleviating the pain and frustration of carpal tunnel syndrome will vary greatly from patient to patient. As a board-certified hand surgeon in the Clarkston, MI area, Dr. Uzma Rehman carefully evaluates each case to recommend the most appropriate technique. During your consultation, she will discuss these options in detail, considering your specific condition, lifestyle, and preferences to ensure the best possible outcome for your carpal tunnel surgery.
If you think you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, contact Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. She will help you decide whether conservative treatments, physical therapy, or Open Release Carpal Tunnel Surgery or Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery is right for your unique situation.
As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Call Dr. Rehman today to schedule an office visit – and take the first step toward relief from your hand and wrist pain!
