Day theatre procedure
About this service
Carpal tunnel release surgery is a day-surgery procedure available in Windhoek that relieves pressure on the nerve at the wrist, treating carpal tunnel syndrome. It involves releasing the tight band of tissue pressing on the nerve, which typically improves numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand once other treatments like splinting or medication haven't been enough. It's a common, well-understood operation with a relatively short recovery for most people.
At Eastgate Clinic this surgery is performed in our on-site day theatre, with consultation and follow-up managed by your GP in our rooms. Your doctor will advise if surgery is the right next step for you.
What to expect
- A consultation and assessment of your hand and wrist symptoms in our rooms
- Day surgery in our on-site theatre, with an anaesthetist looking after you throughout
- A small incision in the wrist or palm, with the hand bandaged afterwards
- Reduced hand use for a period during early recovery, as advised by your doctor
- Follow-up appointment to check healing and hand function
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Waking at night with hand numbness or pain
- Weak grip or difficulty holding small objects
- Wrist or hand symptoms not improving with splinting or medication
- Carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by your doctor's assessment
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need carpal tunnel surgery?
Surgery is usually considered when night-time numbness, tingling in the thumb and first fingers or a weakening grip continue despite splinting or medication. Your doctor examines your hand in our rooms, may arrange nerve tests, and will tell you whether release is the right next step.
What happens on the day of carpal tunnel release?
You come to our on-site day theatre, where an anaesthetist and theatre staff look after you during the procedure. A small cut is made at the wrist or palm to release the band pressing on the nerve, the hand is bandaged, and you normally go home the same day.
How soon can I use my hand after carpal tunnel surgery?
Gentle finger movement is encouraged early, but gripping and heavy lifting are limited while the wound heals. Numbness often eases over weeks to months as the nerve recovers, and your doctor will check progress at follow-up.
For referring doctors
This procedure can be booked in Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your carpal tunnel release surgery?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.