What is carpal tunnel surgery?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, tingling, and numbness in your hand when the median nerve running through your wrist is squeezed.
Carpal tunnel surgery, also known as carpal tunnel release or decompression surgery, involves cutting the carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.
What are the different types of carpal tunnel surgery?
There are two different types of carpal tunnel surgery procedures:
Open carpal tunnel release
It is performed by making an incision in the palm, dividing the transverse carpal ligament, and opening up the carpal tunnel.
A 2- to 3-inch incision is made in the palm to see and cut the transverse carpal ligament.
The procedure relieves the compression on the median nerve.
This approach gives the surgeon a clear view of the carpal tunnel structures, but it generally involves a longer recovery period and more postoperative pain.
Typically, this procedure is recommended for patients with more severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, those with anatomical variations, or those whose previous surgeries have been unsuccessful.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
A small incision is made near the wrist crease, and an endoscope is inserted to visualise the underside of the transverse carpal ligament.
It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions, typically one or two.
This procedure is preferred in patients with mild to moderate cases, those needing a quicker return to work, or those concerned with cosmetic outcomes.
This technique allows for faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and smaller scars compared to open surgery.
Why do I need carpal tunnel surgery?
Carpal tunnel surgery is recommended if you have persistent or severe symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that do not improve with non-surgical treatments such as wrist splints, medications, steroid injections, or physical therapy.
Surgery may be necessary if you experience persistent pain, numbness, or tingling in your hand and fingers, or if the symptoms interrupt your quality of life. There is also a risk of permanent nerve damage if left untreated.
When should I get carpal tunnel surgery?
You can consider carpal tunnel surgery if:
Pain is severe and persistent
Numbness and tingling not going away after several months of treatment
Significant weakness or having difficulty gripping, grasping, or pinching objects
Tests (like nerve conduction studies) confirm nerve compression and ongoing nerve injury
Symptoms are impacting your daily activities
Your doctor will assess your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health to determine the best timing for surgery.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
How do I prepare for carpal tunnel surgery?
Your healthcare provider will inform you of any necessary steps to prepare for carpal tunnel surgery.
You may need to get a physical exam to ensure your body is ready for surgery. Your doctor may also ask you to get:
Blood tests
An electromyography (EMG)
An X-ray, MRI, or CT scan
You may have to stop certain prescriptions or over-the-counter supplements and medications before surgery. Remember to tell your doctor which medications and supplements you take.
Your doctor will also let you know if and when you need to fast before your surgery. If local anaesthesia is used, fasting is typically not required, but if general anaesthesia is needed, you will need to fast for around 12 hours before the procedure.
What will I experience during the procedure?
On the day of your surgery, you will receive anaesthesia to make sure you don’t feel any pain. You won’t usually need general anaesthesia to put you to sleep during a carpal tunnel surgery.
An anaesthesiologist may use a few different types of anaesthesia that numb your hand and wrist. What happens during your surgery depends on which type you need.
The surgery typically takes about 30 minutes. If you require more information, it is best to discuss directly with your surgeon.
What happens after carpal tunnel surgery?
Following the surgery, your healthcare providers will monitor you for several hours to ensure a smooth recovery from the anaesthesia. They will also monitor your vital signs and pain level.
Most carpal tunnel surgeries are considered outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day.
It is best to plan ahead for someone to pick you up or arrange another type of transportation to get home, as you won’t be able to drive after surgery.
What is the cost of carpal tunnel surgery in Singapore?
Costs for carpal tunnel surgery in Singapore vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public or private hospital.
These price ranges generally cover the operation fee and other ad hoc fees as per MOH's SK717N bills and fee benchmark.
Day surgery
The information for private hospitals about the cost of carpal tunnel surgery is between SGD 6,900 and SGD 8,300 for day surgeries based on the SK717N fee benchmarks.
Inpatient surgery
For inpatient surgeries, the cost will range from SGD 5,830 to SGD 8,020 at private hospitals.
MOH provided a breakdown of the fees for private hospitals and clinics:
Breakdown of Fees
However, additional charges may arise from expenses such as pre-surgery consultations, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, medications, post-surgery follow-up appointments, and extended rehabilitation.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for carpal tunnel surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.
Orthopaedic Surgeons at Thomson Medical
Loading...
Are there any subsidies for carpal tunnel surgery?
Yes, there are several schemes in Singapore that can help offset the total costs of carpal tunnel surgery.
These include MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each offers different levels of coverage for your carpal tunnel surgery, depending on your eligibility and insurance arrangements.
MediSave
MediSave is a national medical savings scheme that allows Singaporean citizens and permanent residents to use their savings for hospitalisation expenses.
For hospitalisation, you can use up to SGD 1,130 per day for the first two days and SGD 400 per day for subsequent days for inpatient hospital charges. These charges include daily ward changes, treatment fees, investigations, and medicines.
For day surgery, you can claim up to SGD 830 per day for hospital charges related to the procedure. For surgery, you can use between SGD 240 and SGD 5,290 from your MediSave, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
According to the CPF website, carpal tunnel surgery is classified under 3A on the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). Hence, the withdrawal limit for carpal tunnel surgery is SGD 1,920.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for carpal tunnel surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the CPF website for more details.
MediShield Life
MediShield Life is a basic health insurance plan for all Singaporeans and PRs, designed to help pay for large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments.
It will cover a portion of the surgical and hospitalisation costs for carpal tunnel surgery, and similar to MediSave, there are claim limits.
For hospitalisation, the claim limits are SGD 830 per day for normal wards and SGD 5,140 for intensive care unit (ICU) wards, which include an additional SGD 800 per day for the first two inpatient days.
For surgical procedures, MediShield Life also follows the TOSP, meaning that there will be a claim limit for carpal tunnel surgery at SGD 1,920.
This article was written in May 2025. Hence, prices for carpal tunnel surgery may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the CPF website for more details.
Integrated Shield Plans
Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are private insurance policies that offer additional coverage beyond what is provided by MediShield Life. They can cover a larger portion of your hospital bill, especially if you opt for private hospitals or higher-class wards.
Many IPs also offer “as-charged” benefits, meaning they cover the actual bill amount, subject to policy terms and annual limits.
Coverage details and claim limits vary depending on the insurer and the specific plan and additional riders purchased.
If you are curious how much you can claim from your IPs for your carpal tunnel surgery, it is best to talk to your insurance provider directly to discuss the details of your plan. For those under Prudential, please contact us via the Prudential medical concierge form if you have any further questions.
What factors affect the cost of my carpal tunnel surgery?
Several key factors influence the final bill for carpal tunnel surgery in Singapore:
Pre-surgery expenses
Initial consultation fees
Diagnostic imaging tests
Pre-operative assessments
Specialist referrals (when necessary)
Surgery-related costs
Surgical fees and anaesthesias
Medical devices and implants (when necessary)
Day surgery vs inpatient costs
Post-surgery expenses
Follow-up consultations
Physiotherapy sessions
Protective footwear and orthotics
Wound care supplies
Case Study: Private Hospital with Integrated Shield Plan
Profile: A 38-year-old office worker with severe carpal tunnel syndrome, impacting his typing, requiring carpal tunnel release, and only requiring day surgery.
| Estimated total bill | Insurance coverage | Final out-of-pocket expenses |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 6,900 to SGD 8,300* | Since 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has mandated that all new IP riders include a minimum 5% co-payment—to encourage prudent use of healthcare services and avoid overconsumption.
| The patient would need to pay from SGD 345 to 415, which can usually be covered by MediSave.
|
Please note that for the most accurate estimate of insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, you should consult their insurance provider directly, as coverage details vary by plan and insurer.
*This article was written in May 2025. Prices for carpal tunnel surgery are currently not available for private hospitals, so an estimate was included. This may have changed since then. For more accurate benchmarking prices, please visit the MOH website for more details.
How do I process my insurance claims?
To process an insurance claim at a hospital in Singapore, you typically need to inform the hospital staff of your intent to claim, gather required documents like final bills and receipts, and submit the claim to your insurance provider through their designated channels (online portal, email, etc.).
For some insurance policies, the hospital may handle the claims process directly, especially for cashless claims. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Understand your coverage:
Before you schedule your treatment, meet up with your financial advisor to discuss the costs and coverage available for you should you undergo carpal tunnel surgery.
Inform the hospital:
When you are admitted to the hospital, inform the hospital staff that you wish to make an insurance claim. They may guide you through the necessary paperwork and forms.
Gather the required documents:
Ensure you have all the original, final bills and receipts for all treatments, including hospital stays, procedures, and medications.
If available, gather any relevant medical reports, diagnostic test results, and discharge summaries.
If you used your MediSave account for payment, you'll need a statement showing the Hospital Registration Number (HRN).
You may need to download and complete a claim form from your insurance provider's website.
Submit the claim:
Many insurers offer different portals for submitting claims, including online portals, mobile apps, email, or direct paper submission to your financial advisor.
If the hospital handles the claim directly, they will submit it on your behalf.
Follow up and track progress:
You should receive an acknowledgement of your claim submission.
Check the status of your claim through your insurer's online portal or app.
Do note that claim processing typically takes about 2 to 3 months from the date of submission (e-filing).
Some complex cases may take longer, especially if additional documents or clarifications are required.
If you don't receive updates after 3 months or have more questions, contact your insurer or the hospital for assistance.
At Thomson Medical, the insurance claims process is streamlined for your convenience.
The hospital provides e-filing services, submitting claims directly to MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plan providers on your behalf.
This approach reduces paperwork and ensures claims are processed efficiently, allowing you to focus on recovery.
FAQ
What is the recovery time for carpal tunnel surgery?
Your doctor will take out your stitches in 1 to 2 weeks. Your hand and wrist may feel worse than they used to feel. But the pain should start to go away. It usually takes 3 to 4 months to recover and up to 1 year before hand strength returns.
How painful is carpal tunnel surgery?
Skin, tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments are all disrupted during carpal tunnel surgery. That's why carpal tunnel surgery pain is usually considered to be moderate to severe in the short term. The post-surgical pain usually lasts a few days and then slowly dissipates.
Is it worth getting carpal tunnel surgery?
Surgery is typically only considered when symptoms frequently return despite attempts at other treatments, such as splints and steroid injections, and when the issues caused by painful abnormal sensations worsen. In those cases, surgery can provide better relief than repeat injections or splint treatments can.
Do you lose hand strength after carpal tunnel surgery?
You should be using the hand normally, and strength should have returned. Some patients can experience scar tenderness for up to six months and reduced power in the hand. With exercise and massage, these symptoms will resolve.
When is it too late for carpal tunnel surgery?
Although it can be a bit more difficult to treat carpal tunnel if you've had symptoms for some time, it's usually never too late for you to seek help so that you can comfortably write and use your hands while taking part in daily activities.
Can carpal tunnel repair itself?
With rest and reduced pressure on the median nerve, inflammation may subside, and the tissue could return to normal. However, when carpal tunnel syndrome is due to an anatomical issue or it has progressed to nerve damage, the chances for non-surgical treatment decrease.
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice on pricing and services, contact us at Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Specialists (Thomson Medical Centre) — Orthopaedic
Request an Appointment