Before Surgery
Your physician will conduct a physical examination and review your medical background. You may require diagnostic imaging like an MRI, CT scan, or nerve conduction study to identify the problem area and guide surgical planning.
Inform your doctor about all medications, as some may need temporary discontinuation. You’ll typically receive instructions to avoid eating or drinking after midnight before your procedure.
Day of Surgery
The procedure typically happens at an outpatient surgery center. Arrive several hours early for IV placement and surgical site preparation.
Your surgeon will review the plan and address any final concerns before administering anesthesia in the operating room.
During Surgery
“The doctor will make one or two small incisions near the compressed nerve. The incisions are less than an inch long.” A tiny camera is inserted to visualize the area, while specialized instruments work through another incision to gently release the nerve. The procedure generally takes approximately two hours.
After Surgery
You’ll recover in a monitored area until anesthesia wears off. You’ll need someone present for the first 24 hours. Small bandages cover the incisions, with manageable minor discomfort managed through medication. Light daily activities can typically resume within a week.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1-7: Home rest with prescribed pain management and activity restrictions
- Week 2: Follow-up visit for incision assessment and possible suture removal
- Week 3: Decreasing discomfort and swelling
- Weeks 4-6: Gradual return to normal activities with light exercise
- 2 Months: Full recovery for most patients with no activity restrictions
Potential Risks
While safer than open surgery, possible complications include:
- Bleeding or infection at incision sites
- Nerve injury or damage
- Persistent pain, numbness, or weakness
Thoroughly discuss risks with your surgeon and carefully follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize complications.
