Objective: To study the results of carpal tunnel release in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome with Minimal invasive surgery by Wongsiri technique compared to the standard open technique.

Materials and Methods: Randomized trial in patients who released carpal tunnel into two groups with 20 patients each. The study group underwent minimally invasive surgery using the Wongsiri technique while the other group had the standard open surgery. Postoperative results at one month were compared for time to return to work, residual numbness, wound satisfaction, and complication such as hand stiffness, pillar pain, painful scar, and infection.

Results: There were no statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients in gender, age, occupation, and duration of preoperative symptoms. The results one month after surgery showed that patients in the minimally invasive surgery group returned to work faster than the standard open surgery at 7.32±1.85 and 17.45±5.45 days, respectively (p<0.001). There was no difference in residual numbness at 1.80±0.57 and 1.69±0.49 (p=0.170). Patients in the minimally invasive surgery group were more satisfied with the wound cosmetic at 4.78±0.50 and 3.90±0.32 (p<0.001). Hand stiffness was found less in patients with minimally invasive surgery at 1 and 5 (p<0.001). There was no difference in pillar pain, with one and two cases (p=0.556). There was no painful scar, or infection.

Conclusion: Minimally invasive carpal tunnel released by the Wongsiri technique is a surgical method that reduces hand stiffness. The patients returned to work quicker and were more satisfied with the wound cosmetic.

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Standard open carpal tunnel release; Minimally invasive carpal tunnel released; Wongsiri technique

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2022.06.13322

Received 6 January 2022 | Revised 4 April 2022 | Accepted 20 April 2022