Carpal tunnel surgery is a commonly performed procedure to treat carpal tunnel syndrome which is a very common musculoskeletal condition that is caused by excessive pressure on the median nerve. When the median nerve is compressed, it causes symptoms that include numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand.
Methods of carpal tunnel surgery their cost
There are primarily 2 types of carpal tunnel surgeries. While both these techniques are aimed towards relieving the pressure on the median nerve, they vary slightly in cost.
Open carpal tunnel release surgery
An open carpal tunnel release surgery is a more conventional form of treating carpal tunnel syndrome. The procedure involves making a 2-inch incision in the palm of your hand to view the inside of the wrist. Once the incision has been made, the surgeon will cut the carpal tunnel ligament using surgical instruments and enlarge the carpal tunnel. This will relieve the pressure being exerted on the median nerve. An open carpal tunnel release surgery is generally performed under local anaesthesia and does not take more than 20 minutes.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery is a more advanced and much less invasive method of surgery as compared to open carpal tunnel surgery. In an endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon makes 2 half-inch incisions. One incision is made on the wrist and one is made on the palm. After the incisions are made, the surgeon will insert a narrow tube with a camera attached on top of it into one of the incisions. The surgeon will then use the live feed that is being sent through the tiny camera and insert special surgical tools to cut the carpal ligament. The average cost of an endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery can start from Rs. 40,000 and go as high as Rs. 60,000. The exact cost of surgery however, is likely to vary depending on multiple factors.
Treatments for Carpal Tunnel syndrome include:
CTS is a progressive condition that worsens over time if not treated properly. Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include both surgical and nonsurgical options. Nonsurgical treatments are only effective for mild to moderate cases and are not permanent. Surgery is usually recommended for severe cases and for long-term relief from carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel release surgery is performed by cutting the ligament fibers that form the roof of the carpal tunnel passage, which relieves the pressure on the median nerve. Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is minimally invasive, i.e., it involves only a couple of minor cuts.
The average cost of CTS release surgery based on various factors is around Rs. 60,000- Rs. 70,000, depending on various factors such as hospitalization fees, medical fees, etc. We have discussed a little about the various factors affecting the cost of CTS surgery below:
- Cost of consultation and diagnostic tests: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder. Hence, its diagnosis is performed via a series of nerve conduction and radiological tests such as tinel’s sign, phalen’s maneuver, electromyogram, X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, etc.
- Type of treatment/surgery: In the initial stages, CTS can be managed via medicines and physiotherapy. Carpal Tunnel surgery is a permanent treatment for the correction of carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgery can be open or endoscopic. Endoscopic surgery has lower chances of postoperative complications and faster recovery.
- Choice of hospital: It is important to select a good orthopedic hospital for the treatment. The hospital should have an advanced infrastructure and should be able to fulfill all of the patient’s requirements such as private room, meal facility, radiology services, etc.
- Type of anesthesia chosen: CTS release surgery can be performed under both general and local anesthesia based on the surgeon’s and patient’s preference.
- Surgeon fees: It is important to select a good orthopedic doctor for carpal tunnel treatment to ensure there are no postoperative complications and that the condition doesn’t recur.
- Postoperative recovery cost: After the surgery, the patient may need pain and anti-inflammatory drugs, along with assistive devices (such as braces and splints) and physiotherapy for complete recovery.
- Insurance coverage: Although most insurance policies cover carpal tunnel surgery, the exact extent of coverage depends on the exact terms of the policy.
- Comorbidities of the patient: Patients with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension have longer recovery periods and increased chances of postoperative complications.
