Good results are achieved with carpal tunnel surgery, by either open or endoscopic ( keyhole) techniques. Open surgery uses a 3 centimetre incision in the palm to release the carpal tunnel and inspect the median nerve. It is used when one hand only needs surgery, or if there is wasting or thinning of the thumb muscle, Abductor Polices Brevis.

Keyhole or endoscopic surgery is useful for those that need both hands treated in one operation. Self employed tradesman who cannot afford two periods of time off work are a good example.

Both techniques have common issues of palm tenderness and grip weakness after the surgery, that can last a couple of months.

It is important to know that if you have continuous tingling, pins and needles, or numbness before surgery, that you will continue to have tingling, pins and needles, or numbness for many months afterwards. The long term changes in the nerve take time for natural nerve regeneration to undo them.