Open Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR)
A small incision in the palm divides the tight ligament compressing the median nerve at the wrist — providing immediate and permanent relief from the tingling, numbness, and weakness of carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Open Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR)?
Open carpal tunnel release divides the transverse carpal ligament — the fibrous roof of the carpal tunnel — through a small longitudinal incision in the palm. Dividing this ligament immediately expands the tunnel and decompresses the median nerve that passes through it. The procedure addresses the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome directly and permanently under full surgical visualisation. Dr. Sai Kishan performs open CTR at Lux Hospitals under local anaesthesia as a day-case procedure, allowing the patient to go home the same day with the nerve decompression already complete and symptoms already beginning to resolve.
Recommended for patients with confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome — on the basis of characteristic symptoms, clinical findings, and nerve conduction study results — where wrist splinting and steroid injection have not produced sustained improvement, or where nerve conduction testing shows moderate to severe median nerve compromise requiring surgical treatment.
How the Procedure Works
Local Anaesthesia & Tourniquet
Local anaesthetic is injected into the wrist and distal forearm; a tourniquet provides a bloodless operative field for precise dissection.
Palmar Incision
A small longitudinal incision is made along the thenar crease, positioned to protect the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve.
Ligament Division
The transverse carpal ligament is identified and divided in full under direct vision from distal to proximal, expanding the carpal tunnel completely.
Nerve Inspection
The decompressed median nerve is inspected to confirm complete release; any epineural scarring or compression from within the tunnel is addressed if present.
Skin Closure & Dressing
The skin is closed with interrupted sutures; a soft bulky dressing is applied and the patient is discharged with wound care instructions.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Night tingling and numbness typically improve within the first days after surgery
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Over 95% success rate — among the most reliably effective procedures in hand surgery
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Day-case under local anaesthesia — no general anaesthesia or overnight admission required
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Complete ligament division under direct vision ensures thorough nerve decompression
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Stops further median nerve damage from continued pressure within the tunnel
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Quick, simple, low-risk procedure with rapid restoration of hand function
Open carpal tunnel release is one of the simplest and most effective operations available — and the transformation it produces is immediate. Patients who have had numb, tingling hands for years often notice the difference the same evening.
— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery
Open Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Open Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹80,000, with an average cost of around ₹60,000. The final expense may vary depending on the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, diagnostic requirements, surgical and anaesthesia charges, hospital or day-care facilities and post-operative care.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard approach | ₹40,000 ₹80,000 |
A nerve conduction study costing approximately ₹3,000–₹7,000 may be required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of nerve compression. Open carpal tunnel release is usually performed as a day-care procedure, depending on the patient's condition and clinical requirements.
Factors Affecting Open Carpal Tunnel Release Cost
The overall cost of carpal tunnel release depends on the severity of nerve compression, diagnostic evaluation, surgical requirements and the level of post-operative care needed.
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Severity and duration of carpal tunnel syndrome and the extent of median nerve compression
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Nerve conduction study and other diagnostic tests required to confirm the diagnosis and assess nerve function
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Whether one or both hands require surgical treatment
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Surgeon, anaesthesia, operating-room and surgical facility charges
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Medications, dressings and immediate post-operative monitoring
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Day-care facility or hospitalisation requirements based on the patient's individual condition
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Follow-up consultations and wound assessment after surgery
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Hand exercises, physiotherapy and rehabilitation when recommended
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Additional treatment requirements in patients with severe or longstanding nerve compression
Insurance Coverage for Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Open carpal tunnel release performed for a medically necessary condition may be covered under health insurance, subject to the policy terms, network hospital provisions, approved package and applicable exclusions or deductibles. Patients should confirm coverage and pre-authorisation requirements with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Sai Kishan
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Consultation with an experienced orthopaedic hand and wrist specialist is recommended for patients experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The doctor can assess the severity of nerve compression, review nerve conduction study results and determine whether surgical release is appropriate. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning or pain in the hand and fingers, particularly at night Hand weakness, reduced grip strength and difficulty performing routine activities Duration and progression of symptoms and response to splinting, medication or other non-surgical treatment Nerve conduction study findings and the severity of median nerve compression Presence of other conditions that may contribute to hand or wrist symptoms Whether open carpal tunnel release is appropriate and whether one or both hands require treatment Expected recovery, wound care, activity restrictions and hand rehabilitation requirements
Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan SirasalaCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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