POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING
CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE

You have just undergone a procedure to release a pinched nerve in the wrist. The following recommendations will facilitate the healing process and increase your comfort in the immediate post-operative period.

  1. For the first 24 hours following surgery, you should keep your hand elevated at least to the level of the heart. Please do not use a sling. It is important to use your own muscles. When sitting at home, you may elevate your hand on 2 or 3 pillows.
  2. You may shower post-operatively using a plastic bag or rubber glove over the dressing to assure that it will remain completely dry.
  3. The day following surgery you should begin to exercise your hand. This may be accomplished by making and releasing a fist. Do this quite often, at least 10 times an hour.
  4. Some discomfort at the surgical site may occur in the immediate post operative period. For this reason, please take any medication which Dr. Lacin has given to you as it is prescribed. Taking pain medication promptly when discomfort begins will make it much easier to control. Yoiu may take Extra - Strength Tylenol if you feel that this will control the discomfort.
  5. Unless otherwise instructed, please remove the large bandage and replace it with a bandaid after 24 hours. This should be kept dry at all times until the stitches have been removed. Please replace the bandaid as needed to assure that the surgical site remains dry. Continue to use a rubber glove or plastic bag whenever bathing, etc.
  6. After approximately 7 to 10 days your sutures will be removed and you may resume normal use of your hand.
  7. While a mild degree of discomfort is to be expected following surgery, if you develop severe pain, drainage from the surgical site, or an increase in numbness or tingling, please contact Dr. Lacin as soon as pollible.
  8. If you have questions or concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to call our office at (919) 731-4048. Should a question arise after office hours, please call the switchboard at Wayne Memorial Hospital at (919) 736-1110 to have Dr. Lacin paged.