Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2008 , Vol 18 , Num 1
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Decompression: The Technique and the Review of Short and Mid-Term Outcomes of 50 Cases
Zafer ÇANAKÇI1, Hakan EMMEZ2, Tansel KENDİRLİ3
1,2Asker Hastanesi, Nöroşirürji Kliniği, Eskişehir
3Asker Hastanesi, Nöroloji Kliniği, Eskişehir
AIM: Taking into account the increasing popularity of neuroendoscopic procedures around the world and in Turkey, the authors aim to present the technique of endoscopic carpal tunnel release and the results of 50 patients who were operated on with the endoscopic procedure.

MATERIAL and METHODS: 50 cases with carpal tunnel syndrome who were operated on with the endoscopic technique were analyzed retrospectively. The age, sex, side, outcomes and complications were evaluated. The median follow-up was 18.3 months and the results were analyzed using three different terms; the first night, the first week and three months after the operation. The results in the first night and week were accepted as short-term outcomes and the results at the three-month follow-up were accepted as mid-term outcomes.

RESULTS: 50 endoscopic procedures were performed in 44 patients. Agood outcome was achieved in three terms in %98 of the patients. Open surgery was performed in one case who had the same complaints three months after surgery. There was one significant bleeding that was controlled by compression, and three superficial infections which were easily treated by antibiotics. No major complication or morbidity was observed.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression has become a standard procedure with its safety, simplicity and good outcomes. Anahtar Kelimeler : Carpal tunnel syndrome, Endoscopic surgery, Median nerve