Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is carpal tunnel release surgery?
Carpal tunnel release surgery involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This allows the nerve to heal, restoring normal sensation and movement in the hand. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic, takes 10 to 20 minutes, and is carried out as a day case.
It is most commonly recommended when symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, including pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers, have not improved with non-surgical treatments such as splinting or steroid injections. Based in St John’s Wood (NW8), our specialist hand and wrist surgeons treat patients from across London.
Who is carpal tunnel release surgery suitable for?
Carpal tunnel release surgery is typically recommended when:
- Symptoms are persistent or worsening despite non-surgical treatments such as splinting or steroid injections
- Pain, numbness or tingling is affecting sleep, work or daily activities
- There is evidence of nerve damage or weakening grip strength
- A nerve conduction study has confirmed the diagnosis
Your consultant will assess your symptoms, carry out a clinical examination and review any diagnostic results before recommending surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Explained – watch our video
In this video, Mr Michael Elvy, Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, discusses the condition of carpal tunnel syndrome and the surgical option at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
Consultants who perform Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery in London
How Much Does Private Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Cost?
from £1,875*
The cost of private Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery starts from £1,875* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
More FAQs about carpal tunnel surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
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- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our hospital ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
When the median nerve is under pressure, it can cause a number of symptoms. In milder cases, these can come and go with time and often flare up at night or first thing in the morning. In more moderate or severe cases, the symptoms can be present all the time, day and night. They can also come on with certain activities, such as holding a phone or reading a paper/electronic device.
The classic symptoms are:
- An ache or pain in your fingers, hand and sometimes arm
- Numbness in the hand
- Burning, tingling or pins and needles in the fingers – usually the thumb, index, middle and ring
- Weakness in the hand or difficulty gripping
Your doctor will examine the feeling in your fingers and the strength of your hand muscles. They may assess your wrist by bending, tapping, or pressing on it to confirm a diagnosis. In some cases, a nerve conduction study may be recommended. This measures electrical pulses in your nerves and muscles to diagnose carpal tunnel or rule out other conditions.
- Desk jobs: 2–3 weeks.
- Manual labour: Avoid heavy lifting for at least two weeks.
- Driving: Usually safe after 7–10 days, with your doctor’s advice.
- Sports: Light activities are fine after 10 days, but avoid heavy exercises or lifting for longer. Always consult your doctor for guidance.
The surgery is performed under local or general anaesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort may be experienced as the hand heals, but this can be managed with medication and care instructions from your surgeon.
Carpal tunnel release surgery is generally safe, but like any procedure, it carries some risks, such as infection, nerve damage, or temporary stiffness. Your consultant will discuss these risks with you before surgery.
The procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes and is usually done under local anaesthetic. A small incision is made at the base of the palm, and the surgeon releases the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the nerve. The incision is closed with stitches, and a dressing and bandage are applied. You will return home the same day and will need someone to accompany you, as you will not be able to drive.
Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks, with full recovery typically taking six to eight weeks. You will need to wear a bandage for the first week and keep the wound dry for at least two weeks. A follow-up appointment at two weeks will remove your stitches and begin light hand exercises. Full resolution of pins and needles may take up to three months, with some residual numbness settling over six months to a year.
Medically reviewed by Mr Alistair Hunter - MA MBBS MSc FRCS (Tr&Orth) FHEA Dip Hand Surg on 13/11/2023