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Carpal tunnel surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed in a narrow passage, so the fingers tingle — most often at night — and grip weakens. The operation cuts the ligament that closes this passage and the pressure on the nerve eases.
What concerns does it address?
How is it done?
Through an incision of a few centimetres on the palm above the wrist, the transverse ligament is cut. You can move your fingers straight after the procedure.
When is the procedure not suitable?
Before the procedure the diagnosis is confirmed with EMG (nerve conduction measurement) — tingling in the hands has other causes too, from the cervical spine to the thyroid, and this is asked about at the examination. Milder forms are first treated with a splint at night and an injection; surgery is done when the effect does not last, when the symptoms occur every night and are constant, or when the thumb has weakened. In pregnancy surgery is usually not done, because the symptoms often pass after the birth.
General reasons for postponing a procedure (pregnancy, breastfeeding, inflammation, a clotting disorder, smoking): When is a procedure postponed?
Anaesthesia
Before a procedure under general or regional anaesthesia, you are seen by the anaesthetist, who works full time at the clinic; the same doctor is also present during the procedure. The anaesthetic assessment and the anaesthesia for larger operations are included in the price of the procedure. What happens before, during and after anaesthesia is described on the Anaesthesia page.
Risks
Occasional — tenderness of the scar on the palm when leaning on it, weaker grip for a few weeks, slow return of sensation after long-standing pressure.
Expected, and rare but serious → Risks and complications: what is the course of healing, and what is a complication?
Specialist and team
Specialty: general surgery.
When the procedure is done under sedation or general anaesthesia, the anaesthesia is led by a specialist in anaesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care who works full time at the clinic.
In the operating theatre, the surgeon is assisted by head nurse Martina Šereg, with the help of nurses Kristina Jurešić and Mateja Tomorad, and in recovery the care assistant Mirjana Kovačić is with you. Martina also looks after preparation, scheduling and contact after the procedure.
Who will operate is decided at the examination, based on the findings and the type of procedure. You know the name of the surgeon before the procedure and meet them at the examination.
What happens at the examination?
The first examination lasts 30 to 45 minutes on average. The surgeon examines the area you are concerned about, asks about illnesses, medicines, allergies and previous operations, and talks with you about what you expect. If the procedure is appropriate and likely to help, you receive a plan: which procedure is proposed, under which anaesthesia, what recovery looks like and what is included in the price. If the procedure is not needed or would not give you what you expect, you will hear that at the examination too.
What if the result is not as agreed?
The result of a procedure is assessed at a follow-up visit, once the swelling has gone down and the scar has matured, not in the first weeks. If it differs from what was agreed at the examination, the same surgeon carries out the correction.
→ Poliklinika Barbel's correction policy
Frequently asked questions
Can both hands be operated on at once? Most often one at a time, so the other stays available for everyday tasks.
When can I drive? When the hand can rest on the steering wheel without pain — the doctor will tell you when.
How do I know it is carpal tunnel? Typically there is tingling of the thumb, index finger and middle finger, stronger at night and in the morning, which eases when you shake the hand; later, weak grip and dropping objects. It is confirmed with EMG.
When does the tingling pass? For most people the night-time tingling eases in the first days. Sensation and strength return over weeks to months — the longer the nerve was compressed, the slower, and with long-standing pressure some numbness may remain.
When can I use my hand for work? Light tasks straight away; full grip and leaning on the palm are best left for four to six weeks. The scar on the palm is sensitive to pressure for a few months.
Are exercises needed after carpal tunnel surgery? You can move your fingers straight after the procedure, and in the first days the hand is kept raised. The doctor will show you exercises at the follow-up visit. Light tasks are possible straight away, and full grip and leaning on the palm are best left for four to six weeks.
How much does the result depend on care after the procedure? The larger the procedure, the more it depends on it, but it always does. Healing takes weeks and months and happens almost entirely at home, so the instructions you receive when you go home, about the wound, physical activity and the scar, are part of the procedure, not a recommendation.
Medical review: doctors of Poliklinika Barbel · October 2026.