Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve as it runs through the bones in the wrist, states MayoClinic.com. The median nerve is responsible for sensation and muscle movement in parts of the hand. Thus, median nerve compression causes weakness, numbness and pain in the hand. In cases that cannot be successfully treated with conservative measures, a surgeon may recommend carpal tunnel surgery to cure symptoms. Carpal tunnel surgery involves minimal risks; however, a patient should be aware of possible complications from this surgery.
Nerve Damage
In rare cases, nerve damage may result from surgery, states the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). Specifically, a surgeon may damage the large median nerve as it passes through the wrist, or he may damage other nerves surrounding the hand and the wrist. Median nerve damage is rare because carpal tunnel surgery involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament, or the roof of the carpal tunnel. The median nerve is typically buried deep into the carpal tunnel, which makes the risk of nerve damage minimal. If the median nerve is damaged, a patient will notice severe weakness and sensory deficits in the hand and fingers that does not improve or worsens after surgery. A patient should keep in mind, however, than normal recovery may six months or more. Damage to small nerves in the hand or wrist will likely result in numbness over the area of the damaged nerve.
Infection
Infection is a possible complication of every surgery, including carpal tunnel surgery, according to the AAOS. This can occur if bacteria on the patient, surgical tools or surgeons enters the wound site. Signs of infection include excessive pain, swelling, redness, warmth and drainage. Furthermore, infection can spread to the hand, wrist or other parts of the body if left untreated. Signs of an infection that has spread include fever, chills, night sweats and fatigue. A systemic infection is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical treatment.
Bleeding
Bleeding is a risk of carpal tunnel surgery. In rare cases, a surgeon may cut a large blood vessel that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the wrist and hand. Damage to a large blood vessel can result in significant bleeding. Signs of excessive internal bleeding include swelling, redness, excessive pain and drainage of blood from the wound site. A patient experiencing these symptoms should immediately tell his surgeon, so bleeding can be controlled. Patients on blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin are at a higher risk of excessive bleeding.
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