【摘要】Objective To retrospectively analyze the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) through a small vertical palmar incision under local anesthesia, and to compare the clinical outcome with those under brachial plexus anesthesia. Methods Fifty-eight CTS patients were enrolled in the study. Of them 27 were treated through a small incision under brachial plexus anesthesia, while 31 were treated through a small vertical palmar incision under local anesthesia. The operative time, hospital stay, hospitalization costs and postoperative results were compared between different anesthesia groups. Results There were no significant differences in postoperative effects assessed by Kelly grading or patients' satisfaction between two groups (both P>0. 05). However, the operative time, hospital stay and hospitalization costs in the local anesthesia group were significantly shorter and less than those in the plexus anesthesia group (all P<0. 05). Conclusion Similar treatment effects for CTS can be achieved under either local anesthesia or brachial plexus anesthesia. Compared with the treatment under brachial plexus anesthesia, shorter operative time and hospital stay and less hospitalization costs are found through small vertical palmar incision under local anesthesia.
