From September 1995 to July 1996 50 patients were treated for carpal tunnel syndromeas 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 ofsymptoms was 43 months, the postoperative time off work averaged 27 days. Six monthspostoperatively wasting of the thenar persisted in 2 out of 16 patients, a positive Tinel'ssign in 1 out of 46 patients and delayed median nerve conduction in 2 out of 48presenting these symptoms preoperatively. At 6 months the average handgrip strengthhad recovered to 109% of the preoperative value. One out of 49 patients still presentedparesthesia and 1 out of 50 nocturnal dysesthesia. There were minor complications in 7patients (14%), only one patient requires further treatment. We conclude that endoscopiccarpal tunnel release done on outpatients in a private surgery can be reliable, safeand cost efficient.
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