Carpal tunnel release surgery is a procedure to relieve symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves pressure on the median nerve of the wrist, resulting in pain, numbness and weakness. Carpal tunnel release is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway inside the palm side of the wrist. It encloses the median nerve and nine tendons that bend the fingers. The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb, the first two fingers, part of the third finger and provides motor function to some of the muscles in the hand. Compression of the median nerve produces the numbness, tingling, pain and hand weakness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome that involves mild nerve impairment often can be treated with medication, various therapies and modifications of routines that exacerbate the condition. However, in some cases surgery may be necessary to adequately relieve symptoms associated with this disorder, which may include:

• Tingling and/or numbness of the fingers and/or hand
  
• Radiating wrist pain
  
• Weakened grip
  
• A tendency to drop objects, even if they are not heavy
  
• Loss of feeling in some of the fingers

Physicians generally recommend carpal tunnel release surgery for patients who have experienced symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome for six months or more.

During this procedure, a surgeon severs bands of tissue inside the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. If both hands are affected, patients may require surgery to be performed on both wrists.