Outcomes of the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome under local anesthesia: comparison of the surgeries with and without tourniquet use

Authors : Bilal Aykaç, Alper Türkkan

Pages : 41-50

Doi:10.31362/patd.1328303

View : 57 | Download : 88

Publication Date : 2024-01-01

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Purpose: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common upper limb entrapment neuropathy. The current study reviews outcomes in carpal tunnel syndrome surgeries performed with local anesthesia in a procedure room outside the operating room and compares the surgeries with and without tourniquet use. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent carpal tunnel syndrome surgery between June 2019 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: with and without tourniquet use. Demographic characteristics, operative time, complications, and outcomes were compared. All patients were examined preoperatively and at postoperative month 3 using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale (QDASH) questionnaire, which measures upper extremity activity and participation restrictions. Results: The study included 119 patients. The operative time was longer in the nontourniquet group than in the tourniquet group, with a statistically significant difference (16.75±2.39 min and 14.47±1.88 min, p<0.001). Bipolar use was higher in the nontourniquet group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The preoperative QDASH score was statistically similar in both groups (62.58±6.67 and 63.86±6.04, p=0.229). The mean postoperative QDASH score was 4.79±7.65 in the nontourniquet group and 4.24±3.86 in the tourniquet group (p=0.799). Conclusions: Tourniquet use may slightly shorten the operative time and may be more effective in controlling bleeding. However, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding postoperative results. The results indicate that operating with a local anesthesia alone is an effective alternative to tourniquet use and a safe choice.
Keywords : Karpal tünel sendromu, turnike, uyanık el cerrahisi