Re: repeating CTS surgery?

In Reply to: repeating CTS surgery? posted by Emma on October 23, 2003 at 14:50:37:

: Does anyone know how common it is to have to have CTS surgery repeated and how soon after the first surgery? I had bilateral in June, scar tissue built up now and problems are back. Thanks

Hi Emma
Don't know which country you're in but it seems repeat surgery for CTS is far more common in the USA than in the UK. The surgeon who did my hands (UK) told me he would never do second surgery on the same hand until 2 years had passed. He said that it can take up to 2 years for the nerve to completely settle after surgery & that symptoms can persist for quite a long time after first surgery. I've spoken to several doctors on this subject & they all agree that second surgery results are generally far less successful & that the build up of resulting scar tissue can leave you with even worse symptoms than you started with.

Sorry to sound so pessimistic but I appreciated the straightforward talk I got & made the decision to put up with the symptoms I have due to cts rather than have more surgery. I think you're best to do as much research as you can & speak to as many professionals as possible too.
Good luck.
Evelyn