The endoscopic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome as an outpatient procedure.

From September 1995 to July 1996 50 patients were treated for carpal tunnel syndrome as outpatients by endoscopic release in the rooms of an orthopaedic surgeon (two-portal-technique). The average age was 51.3 years (27-61 years). The average length of symptoms was 43 months, the postoperative time off work averaged 27 days. Six months postoperatively wasting of the thenar persisted in 2 out of 16 patients, a positive Tinel's sign in 1 out of 46 patients and delayed median nerve conduction in 2 out of 48 presenting these symptoms preoperatively. At 6 months the average handgrip strength had recovered to 109% of the preoperative value. One out of 49 patients still presented paresthesia and 1 out of 50 nocturnal dysesthesia. There were minor complications in 7 patients (14%), only one patient requires further treatment. We conclude that endoscopic carpal tunnel release done on outpatients in a private surgery can be reliable, safe and cost efficient.