Peripheral Nerve Surgery

What is Peripheral Nerve Surgery?
Peripheral nerve surgery is a general term for various surgeries performed to treat peripheral nerve injuries, compression and tumors. These surgeries are conducted by surgeons from the specialized in orthopedics, neurology, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

What are the different methods of Peripheral Nerve Surgery?
The following are some of the methods used for peripheral nerve surgery:

• Common Peroneal Nerve Decompression
• Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Decompression
• Ulnar Nerve Decompression
• Carpal Tunnel Decompression

Carpal Tunnel Decompression

Carpal tunnel decompression is a surgical procedure to treat the compression or dysfunction of the median nerve that extends through the wrist to the hand.

An incision is made in the hand and an antiseptic solution is used to wash the incision area. The incision is then made deeper below the skin and fat through the first layer. The incision is then made through the flexor retinaculum with a sharp blade. The nerve decompression is beyond the incision, into the forearm. After the bleeding stops, the incision is closed and covered with dressing and bandage.

How to prepare for carpal tunnel decompression?

The patient should inform the doctor about the following things:

• • Health illnesses
  • Medication that the patient may be taking
  • Allergies
  • Bleeding disorders

How much time is required?

This surgery may be done as an out patient procedure, and the patients can go home after the surgery. However, some patients are admitted to the hospital one day before the surgery.

What type of anesthesia will be given?

General or local anesthesia

How will patient recover?

- The patient is taken to the recovery room to be monitored for one hour after the surgery
- Pain medication may be prescribed by the doctor.
- The patient will be encouraged to keep the arm elevated.
- The sutures may be removed in 7 to 12 days after the surgery
- The doctor will schedule follow-up visits to check the wound.
- Physiotherapy may be recommended

What should be cared?

- The patient should drive after being discharged from the hospital.
- The dressing should be changed regularly on a daily basis.
- The wound should be kept dry.
- The patient should try to keep the arm elevated and use it for normal activities.
- Lifting heavy objects should be avoided, until the doctor permits the patient to do so.

The doctor should be informed if the following symptoms occur:
- Severe pain in the wrist
- Fever
- Infection and swelling of the wound
- Weakness or numbness in the hand or fingers