Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery at Spire Harpenden Hospital

At Spire Harpenden Hospital, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive private hospital services and high standards of care for our patients in Hertfordshire. Our highly skilled surgeons have wide experience in performing carpal tunnel release surgery. We provide fast access to diagnostic tests, scans and treatment, with expert aftercare that’s designed to help you get back to normal as soon as possible.

At Spire Harpenden Hospital, our consultants have extensive experience of performing carpal tunnel release surgery in our clean, modern facilities.

Our consultants typically offer open release surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. During surgery, your consultant will make an incision (cut) so they can see inside your wrist and cut the transverse carpal ligament.

Getting here

We have excellent road links to the M1 and A1(M) and are five minutes from Harpenden train station. Other public transport options are available. There’s free on-site parking for you and your visitors.

Your consultations

Once you’ve made an enquiry, we’ll be able to arrange your first appointment within a few days.

You’ll be able to meet one of our experienced surgeons in a private consultation room. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and medical history and take a look at your wrist. You’ll have a chance to ask any questions about surgery and discuss:

• Any further tests you may need such as a nerve conduction test or an ultrasound scan
• Other treatments you could try before you decide on surgery, such as painkillers or wrist splints
• What the procedure involves, including the anaesthetic (which is usually local)
• Any risks and complications and how these might affect you

The operation takes around 20 minutes and you’ll be able to go home on the same day.

When you arrive for surgery:

• You’ll meet your surgical team and anaesthetist
• You’ll have a local anaesthetic (so you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain)
• Your surgeon will make a small incision and then cut through the ligament that lies across the front of your wrist – they’ll use the technique you agreed upon during your consultation

Everyone’s different, so how long it takes to recover from your surgery will depend on your general health and how severe your carpal tunnel syndrome is.

Your consultant will be able to tell you more about your expected recovery, but here’s a typical recovery timeline for carpal tunnel surgery: