Are you putting off Carpal Tunnel surgery to avoid the hassle and anxiety of general anesthesia? Dr. Jung Park of Bucks County Orthopedic Specialists has a better approach: Local anesthesia.
The Difference Between General & Local Anesthesia
Historically, patients undergoing Carpal Tunnel surgery have been subjected to either deep sedation or general anesthesia, which puts you under entirely. People who are sedated via IV or inhalation are completely unconscious and unable to feel any pain. As a result, the entire surgical and recovery process is much longer and much riskier for complications.
Local anesthesia, however, has the same numbing effect, without forcing patients to be totally sedated. It allows the doctor to eliminate feeling in the surgical area as the procedure is being performed, while sparing patients the potential complications and dangers of total sedation.
Advantages of Receiving Carpal Tunnel Surgery Under Local Anesthetic
In addition to overall convenience for patients, there are a number of terrific benefits of receiving carpal tunnel surgery under a local anesthetic, including:
- Same results and quality of care
- Same sterile surgery techniques and safety measures
- No pre-operative testing, such as EKG, blood work (this is required with general anesthesia)
- No fasting required to receive local anesthesia, meaning that patients can eat and drink as they wish leading up to their surgery
- Patients can drive themselves to and from our orthopedic surgery centers
- Lack of side effects from anesthesia (dizziness, nausea, vomiting, trouble urinating, temporary amnesia, etc.)
- Ability to perform self-care independently and without inconveniencing family members or friends
- Shorter visit to the surgery center
- No IV necessary, which means no bruising, soreness, or pain from injections
Local anesthetics are also possible for roughly 70% of other hand issues that require surgery, such as trigger fingers, excision of small lumps and bumps in the hands and fingers, treatment of mallet fingers, some tendon repairs, etc.
Our Patients Speak Highly of Dr. Jung Park’s CTS Methods
Receiving Carpal Tunnel surgery under local anesthesia is a game-changer for many patients, especially for those who have experienced the challenges of complete sedation. This was the experience for Mary Ann Crozier, a Carpal Tunnel patient of Dr. Park who had previously undergone the same surgery two years prior with another surgeon not affiliated with BCOS. In comparing the two experiences, Mary Ann marveled at how different they were. With her first surgery, the surgeon used a general anesthetic which meant that the entire process was much more complicated and involved, from pre-surgical preparations to the day of the surgery itself, to the recovery process afterward. As she recalled, “I had to fast for the surgery, but then had to wait and wait and wait while the surgeon had an emergency case and I got bumped. I was originally scheduled for 11am but the surgery finally took place around 4pm and by the time it was done, I was completely famished!”
Mary Ann’s experience was completely different when she received her second Carpal Tunnel surgery from Dr. Park. This time there was no fasting as Dr. Park used a local anesthetic and she was awake for the entire 10-minute procedure. Her surgery with Dr Park “was amazing” and she noted that her post-op recovery only required a Band-Aid type dressing on her incision and Tylenol for her pain, which she says was minimal. “It was so different than the first time when I had to wear a really big bandage that was way too tight for an entire week! I would highly recommend this procedure with Dr Park.”
If you are considering Carpal Tunnel surgery, skip the fasting, discomfort, and lasting pain that come with general anesthesia. Consider working with Dr. Park and the enjoy the benefits of using local anesthesia the first time.
Orthopedic Surgeons & Hand Specialists Serving Bucks County
Dr. Park is one of multiple highly skilled, innovative orthopedic surgeons at our practice in Bucks County. We have assisted many patients just like you and are always looking for new and better ways to make great orthopedic care more accessible to the people we serve. In addition to providing Carpal Tunnel surgery, our Bucks County orthopedic hand specialists can help you with a number of serious, painful wrist and hand problems, such as:
- Dupuytren’s contractures
- Finger or wrist arthritis
- Hand or wrist contractures
- Hand or wrist deformities
- Hand or wrist fractures
- Hand or wrist sprains
- Nerve compressions
- Nerve injuries
- Skier’s (Gamekeeper’s) thumb
- Tendon ruptures or lacerations
- Trigger finger
We are trained to provide advanced treatment and long-term relief for people in pain—and we can do the same for you. With our knowledge and expertise on your side, you’ll be on your way to achieving pain-free use of your hand, wrist, and fingers in no time. If you’re struggling with Carpal Tunnel and looking for surgical treatment without general anesthesia, we may be able to offer you the help you need.
Call (215) 348-7000 today or contact us online to schedule your appointment with a Bucks County orthopedic hand specialist.