Hand Surgery
Hand and wrist operations for carpal tunnel, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s and tendon problems.
At New City Clinic, Hand Surgery is performed in Istanbul by specialist physicians at partner hospitals licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Hand Surgery in Istanbul: overview
Hand surgery treats problems of the nerves, tendons, joints and bones of the hand, wrist and fingers. The most common procedures are carpal tunnel release to take pressure off the nerve, trigger finger release, removal of the thickened tissue in the palm in Dupuytren’s disease, removal of ganglion cysts and tendon repairs. Most procedures are done under regional or local anaesthesia and you go home the same day. The specialist decides which procedure you need after an examination and, where necessary, a nerve conduction test (EMG).
| Anaesthesia | Regional anaesthesia (spinal or nerve block) |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 0.5–2 hours |
| Hospital stay | 0–1 night |
| Stay in Türkiye | 3–5 days |
| Back to work | 5 days |
| Back to sport | 6 weeks |
| Final result | 3 months |
| Scar | A small incision hidden in the palm or wrist creases |
Who is it for?
Hand surgery suits people with numbness and tingling from carpal tunnel syndrome, fingers that catch or lock (trigger finger), bent fingers caused by Dupuytren’s disease, ganglion cysts, tendon injuries or painful wrist problems that have not improved with splints, physiotherapy or injections. An examination and, where needed, a nerve conduction test confirm the diagnosis.
Your orthopaedic surgeon
Op. Dr. Gökhan Tolga AkbulutOrthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon · Orthopaedics, Hand Surgery and MicrosurgeryNew City Clinic · Bakırköy, İstanbul · +90 552 859 50 34View CV Common hand and wrist procedures
The most frequent operations include:
- Carpal tunnel release to take pressure off the median nerve
- Trigger finger release
- Dupuytren’s fasciectomy to straighten bent fingers
- Ganglion cyst removal
- Tendon and nerve repair
- Treatment of wrist and finger fractures
A short procedure, careful hand therapy
Most hand procedures take less than an hour and are done under regional or local anaesthesia, so you can go home the same day. Keeping the hand raised and moving the fingers early reduces swelling. After tendon repairs or Dupuytren’s surgery, hand therapy and sometimes a splint are needed for several weeks.
Recovery and flying home from the UK or Ireland
Plan about 3 to 5 days in Istanbul for a wound check. Stitches are usually removed after 10 to 14 days, which can be done at home. Most people return to desk work within a week; heavy gripping comes back over a few weeks.
Your journey in Türkiye, step by step
- 01
Free preliminary assessment: a physician reviews your photos and medical history and you receive a written plan and quote.
- 02
Day 1 – arrival in Istanbul: you are met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
- 03
Examination day: physician's examination, blood tests and anaesthesia assessment; the plan is finalised.
- 04
Procedure day: the procedure takes about 0.5–2 hours under regional anaesthesia (spinal or nerve block). Hospital stay: 0–1 night.
- 05
Check-up: dressing change and follow-up examination after discharge.
- 06
Return: total stay in Türkiye is 3–5 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: 0–1 night. Desk work is usually possible within 5 days and sport after 6 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 hand surgery?
Hand surgery treats problems of the nerves, tendons, joints and bones of the hand, wrist and fingers. The most common procedures are carpal tunnel release to take pressure off the nerve, trigger finger release, removal of the thickened tissue in the palm in Dupuytren’s disease, removal of ganglion cysts and tendon repairs. Most procedures are done under regional or local anaesthesia and you go home the same day. The specialist decides which procedure you need after an examination and, where necessary, a nerve conduction test (EMG).
How much does Hand 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 Hand 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 Hand Surgery take?
The procedure takes about 0.5–2 hours. Anaesthesia: regional anaesthesia (spinal or nerve block).
How long do I stay in hospital and in Turkey?
Hospital stay: 0–1 night. The total stay in Türkiye is usually planned at 3–5 days; your physician confirms the exact length at your check-up.
Is Hand 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 5 days and sport after 6 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 Hand 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.
Is carpal tunnel surgery done under general anaesthesia?
Usually not; it is mostly done under local or regional anaesthesia and you go home the same day.
When does the numbness go away?
Night-time symptoms often improve quickly, while long-standing numbness can take months to recover and may not recover fully.
Can both hands be treated at once?
This is possible for some procedures, but many people prefer one hand at a time so that they can look after themselves; your surgeon advises you.
Is Hand Surgery in Turkey safe?
Like any operation, Hand 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 Hand 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 Hand 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 Hand 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.
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