Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

• Dr. Todd will make a small incision in your wrist.
• Once the surgery is complete, he will close the incision with a dissolvable suture and put a steri-strip over it.
• He will then cover it with some 4 x 4’s, soft roll and then apply a splint.
• He will wrap the splint with a Kling wrap and an Ace wrap. This will stay in place until your first post-op appointment (which is usually in 6-8 days).
• Elevate your hand above your heart over the next few days to keep it from swelling and throbbing.
• If the Ace wrap is too tight or becomes too loose, you may remove it and rewrap it.
• Leave the dressing in place until your follow-up appointment.
• Narcotic pain medication may be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for the pain.
• Your dressing needs to stay clean, dry and un-sweaty. If your wrist becomes wet or sweaty, the steri-strip can come loose and the incision may not heal correctly.
• The dressing will be removed at your first appointment after surgery.
• The suture will be snipped on both sides. The remaining suture will dissolve.
• A new steri-strip will be applied along with a band-aid.
• Bring your wrist splint with you. If you do not have one, one will be provided for you.
• You will wear the wrist splint approximately 2 weeks.
• You will be given a squeeze ball to begin exercising your hand.
• You will return in approximately 2 weeks for another follow-up appointment to be assessed for stiffness.
• If you are having any stiffness, a referral to occupational therapy will be made.
• You will need physical therapy 2-3 times a week for up to 4 weeks. This usually resolves any issues of stiffness after surgery. Note: Not all patients require physical therapy.
• There is usually one more follow-up visit with Dr. Todd for a final assessment.
• It is important to note that not all nerve pain/numbness is relieved immediately by the surgery.

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