Experiences with 925 outpatient operations of carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

In the era of cost containment in our health care system the demand is made of increasing outpatient surgery e. g. for carpal tunnel syndrome. To show the possibilities of carpal tunnel release performed under outpatient conditions we analysed 925 consecutive cases during 1. 1. 1981 to 30. 4. 2001. A tourniquet was used in all cases. In 814 cases we used axillary plexus anaesthesia. 107 surgical interventions were done under local anesthesia. Two of these patients could not tolerate the tourniquet. Analgesia was complete in all but two cases. In two cases revision due to after bleeding was necessary. There were no further complications seen. The mean time for return to work was 21.3 days (min: 14, max: 36 days). The mean follow-up for these patients was 36 months. Numbness and paresthesias were relieved in 98 %, pain was relieved in 90 %, motoric weakness was relieved in 95 % of the hands. The overall satisfaction rate was 94 %. Carpal tunnel release can be performed safely and unexpensively under outpatient conditions.