The Procedure in Brief

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is the minimally invasive version of the standard carpal tunnel operation. Instead of a full palm incision, Dr. Loredo uses a tiny portal at the wrist and a specialized endoscope to visualize and divide the transverse carpal ligament from the inside. The median nerve is decompressed completely, and no suture is placed on the skin.

The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes of operating time. It is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia with light sedation. You walk in, you walk out, and you use your hand the same day.

Why the Endoscopic Approach Is Different

  • Direct endoscopic visualization of the transverse carpal ligament for a complete, safe release
  • A single micro incision rather than a traditional palm incision
  • No skin sutures required
  • Preservation of the palmar fat pad that traditional open release disrupts
  • Reduced scar tenderness and palmar pillar pain
  • Most patients return to light function the same day
A Fellowship-Trained SpecialistDr. Loredo assisted on a hand transplant during his fellowship training at the Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Institute / Christine M. Kleinert Institute in Louisville, Kentucky. He specializes in advanced minimally invasive endoscopic upper extremity release.

What to Expect

Before Surgery

  • Appointment confirmation and insurance verification completed by our team
  • Brief pre-operative history and physical
  • No general anesthesia, no overnight hospital stay
  • No need to stop most medications in most cases

Day of Surgery

  • Arrive with a family member or friend to drive you home
  • Local anesthesia and light sedation
  • Procedure time: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Discharged home within a short recovery window

Recovery Timeline

  • Day 0: Light use of the hand the same evening
  • Day 1 to 3: Routine daily activity at home
  • Week 1: Most patients back at desk work
  • Weeks 2 to 4: Return to heavier activity, including manual labor and athletics, as tolerated
  • Months 2 to 6: Continued grip strength improvement; nerve recovery advances over months in severe cases

Is This Procedure Right for You?

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is appropriate for most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by examination and electrodiagnostic testing. Patients with a history of prior wrist surgery, certain anatomic variations, or revision cases are individually evaluated. Dr. Loredo discusses every option in detail at your consultation.