According to MayoClinic.com, the carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the palm side of the wrist bound by bones and ligaments. Carpal tunnel syndrome has multiple causes, including repetitive use, injury and other medical conditions. Narrowing of the carpal tunnel results in numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand and in the majority of the fingers. This condition is generally first treated conservatively, but surgery may be necessary. A patient should understand the risks of surgery before choosing this option.
Nerve Damage
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nerve damage may occur during carpal tunnel surgery. The main nerve, the median nerve, that carpal tunnel syndrome affects can be further damaged through surgery. This is possible because the surgeon must cut the transverse carpal ligament, or the ligament at the top of the carpal tunnel, to relieve pressure from the median nerve. During this procedure, the surgeon may mistakenly pierce or damage the median nerve. This can result in a worsening of symptoms or complete numbness or paralysis of the hand or certain fingers. Thus, it is important that patients choose surgeons that are experienced in carpal tunnel surgery.
Infection
Infection is a risk with any surgery, including carpal tunnel surgery, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. An infection is the invasion of bacteria into the body. This can occur during carpal tunnel surgery because bacteria live on the skin, surgical tools and on the surgeon. Although the skin, tool and surgeon are sterile, small amounts of bacteria can enter the wound. This can result in a skin infection, infection of the wrist or hand, or a severe infection of the entire body. Thus, a patient should let his surgeon know if he is experiencing redness, warmth, excessive pain or drainage from the surgical site. In addition, he should let his doctor know of serious signs of infection that include fever, chills and night sweats. Early treatment can reduce the severity of an infection and prevent it from spreading.
Bleeding
Excessive bleeding may occur with carpal tunnel surgery, states the AAOS. This occurs because small blood vessels are damage during surgery. A patient may have a bleeding disorder that prevents him from clotting at the appropriate pace. This can result in excessive bleeding after surgery. Additionally, the surgeon may damage a larger blood vessel in the hand or wrist that may lead to excessive bleeding. A patient should be sure to tell his doctor if he is on any medications that affect bleeding. After surgery, he should let his surgeon know of any excessive swelling that he may be experiencing in the hand or wrist.
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