Orthopaedics · New City Clinic

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

A short operation to free the trapped nerve that causes numbness and tingling in the hand.

At New City Clinic, Carpal Tunnel Surgery is performed in Istanbul by specialist physicians at partner hospitals licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Istanbul – New City Clinic

Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Istanbul: overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through a narrow tunnel at the wrist; it causes numbness, tingling and weakness, especially at night, in the thumb, index and middle fingers. When splints and other treatments have not helped, or the muscles have started to waste, the ligament forming the roof of the tunnel is released to relieve the nerve. The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes under local anaesthesia, and you go home the same day. The diagnosis is made by examination and a nerve conduction test (EMG).

At a glance
AnaesthesiaLocal anaesthesia
Procedure time20–30 minutes
Hospital stayDischarged the same day
Stay in Türkiye2–4 days
Back to work3 days
Back to sport4 weeks
Final result3 months
ScarA small incision hidden in the palm or wrist creases

Who is it for?

Carpal tunnel surgery suits people whose numbness and tingling in the hand wakes them at night or interferes with daily life despite splints and other treatment, and people whose nerve conduction test shows significant compression or whose thumb muscles have started to waste.

Your orthopaedic surgeon

Op. Dr. Gökhan Tolga Akbulut – Orthopaedic and Trauma SurgeonOp. Dr. Gökhan Tolga AkbulutOrthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon · Orthopaedics, Hand Surgery and MicrosurgeryView CV

Open or endoscopic release

The ligament over the nerve is released either through a short incision in the palm or endoscopically through a small incision at the wrist. Both aim to give the nerve more space; the surgeon explains which approach suits you.

Recovery and travel

You go home the same day with a light dressing and can use the hand for light tasks within days. Plan about 2 to 4 days in Istanbul. Stitches are removed after 10 to 14 days, which can be done at home; grip strength returns over a few weeks.

Your journey in Türkiye, step by step

  1. 01

    Free preliminary assessment: a physician reviews your photos and medical history and you receive a written plan and quote.

  2. 02

    Day 1 – arrival in Istanbul: you are met at the airport and taken to your hotel.

  3. 03

    Examination day: physician's examination, blood tests and anaesthesia assessment; the plan is finalised.

  4. 04

    Procedure day: the procedure takes about 20–30 minutes under local anaesthesia. Hospital stay: discharged the same day.

  5. 05

    Check-up: dressing change and follow-up examination after discharge.

  6. 06

    Return: total stay in Türkiye is 2–4 days; your physician clears you to fly. Follow-up continues remotely.

New City Clinic health tourism services

  • Airport welcome and hospital–hotel transfers
  • Accommodation at partner hotels close to the hospital
  • Support in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish
  • Scheduling of examination, tests and surgery
  • Post-operative check-ups and remote follow-up once you are home
  • Dedicated complication insurance for operations

Recovery

Hospital stay: discharged the same day. Desk work is usually possible within 3 days and sport after 4 weeks; the final result appears in about 3 months.

What you should know

  • Temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness
  • Risk of infection and bleeding, as with any surgical procedure
  • Results vary with individual anatomy and healing

Every medical procedure carries risk. Your physician will explain the risks specific to you during your examination.

Frequently asked questions

What is carpal tunnel surgery?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through a narrow tunnel at the wrist; it causes numbness, tingling and weakness, especially at night, in the thumb, index and middle fingers. When splints and other treatments have not helped, or the muscles have started to waste, the ligament forming the roof of the tunnel is released to relieve the nerve. The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes under local anaesthesia, and you go home the same day. The diagnosis is made by examination and a nerve conduction test (EMG).

How much does Carpal Tunnel Surgery cost in Turkey?

The cost depends on the scope of the procedure, the technique, the hospital and your accommodation choice. After a physician's assessment, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote; getting a quote is free.

What does an all-inclusive Carpal Tunnel Surgery package include?

Your quote lists the hospital and physician fees, required tests, check-ups, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and, on request, hotel accommodation as separate items. Flights are not included; we can help organise them if you wish.

How long does Carpal Tunnel Surgery take?

The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes. Anaesthesia: local anaesthesia.

How long do I stay in hospital and in Turkey?

Hospital stay: discharged the same day. The total stay in Türkiye is usually planned at 2–4 days; your physician confirms the exact length at your check-up.

Is Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Turkey safe? What are the risks?

Every medical procedure carries risk: infection, bleeding, anaesthesia-related problems and healing that differs from what was expected are the main ones. To reduce risk, the procedure is performed by a specialist at a licensed hospital after pre-operative tests. Your physician explains the risks specific to you at your examination.

When can I go back to work and exercise?

Desk work is usually possible within 3 days and sport after 4 weeks. These times vary from person to person.

Will there be scars?

A small incision hidden in the palm or wrist creases. Scars are noticeable in the first months and fade with time; how they heal depends on your skin.

When will I see the result?

The first change is visible as swelling settles; the final result appears in about 3 months. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.

Can I see before and after photos?

Out of respect for patient privacy and under healthcare regulations, patient photos are shared only with the patient's consent. In your consultation the physician explains what is realistic in your case.

How do I choose the best clinic for Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Istanbul?

There is no single “best clinic” for everyone; for a safe choice, check these: a Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate, the name of the hospital and the operating surgeon, a written plan based on a physician's assessment, an itemised quote and aftercare. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye; it publishes its authorisation, TÜRSAB and ISO certificates on this site and gives you all of this in writing with your quote.

Will the numbness go away?

Night-time tingling often improves quickly. Long-standing numbness may take months to improve and may not recover completely.

Can both hands be done on the same day?

It is possible, but many people prefer one hand at a time so that they can manage everyday tasks.

Is Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Turkey safe?

Like any operation, Carpal Tunnel Surgery carries risks, and the risk depends far more on where and by whom it is done than on the country. The serious cases reported in the press have mostly involved unlicensed premises, non-specialists or too many procedures in one session. A safe choice means a hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, a named specialist surgeon, an anaesthetist, pre-operative tests and a long enough stay. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye, and you receive the hospital and surgeon details in writing before you travel.

Why is Carpal Tunnel Surgery cheaper in Turkey than in the UK, Ireland, Australia or Malta?

The difference comes mainly from lower operating and staff costs and the exchange rate; implants, materials and techniques follow the same international standards. Even so, do not choose on price alone: check the hospital licence, the surgeon’s specialty and exactly what the package includes.

Travelling to Istanbul for Carpal Tunnel Surgery from Australia, Malta or further away: what should I plan?

From Malta there are direct flights to Istanbul of around two and a half to three hours; from Australia the journey usually involves one connection and takes 20 hours or more. The longer the flight home, the longer you should stay in Istanbul after Carpal Tunnel Surgery, so that your surgeon can check you before travelling. On a long-haul flight wear compression stockings, walk regularly and drink water. Your reports are prepared in English and a New City Clinic coordinator follows your recovery remotely once you are home.

Get your free quote today

Send your photos and questions; a surgeon’s assessment and your quote usually arrive within 24 hours. The consultation is free and without obligation.

Include the country code, e.g. +44 7700 900000

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