1.Comparing the outcome of monitored anaesthesia care and local anaesthesia for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery by neurosurgeons
Goh Chin Hwee ; Lau Bik Liang ; Teong Sook Yee ; Law Wan Chung ; Tan Peter Chee Seong ; Ravindran Vashu ; Liew Donald Ngian San ; Wong Albert Sii Hieng
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2019;74(6):499-503
Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the
commonest median nerve entrapment neuropathy of the
hand, up to 90% of all nerve compression syndromes. The
disease is often treated with conservative measures or
surgery. The senior author initially intended to treat his own
neurosurgical patients concurrently diagnosed with carpal
tunnel syndrome in 2014, subsequently, he began to pick up
more referrals from the primary healthcare group over the
years. This has led to the setup of a peripheral and spine
clinic to act as a hub of referrals. Objective: Department of
Neurosurgery Sarawak aimed to evaluate the surgical
outcome of carpal tunnel release done over five years.
Methods: The carpal tunnel surgeries were done under local
anaesthesia (LA) given by neurosurgeons (Bupivacaine
0.5% or Lignocaine 2%). Monitored anaesthesia care (MAC)
was later introduced by our hospital neuroanaesthetist in
the beginning of 2018 (Target-controlled infusion propofol
and boluses of fentanyl). We looked into our first 17 cases
and compared these to the two anaesthesia techniques (LA
versus MAC + LA) in terms of patient’s pain score based on
visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: Result showed MAC provided excellent pain control
during and immediately after the surgery. None experienced
anaesthesia complications. There was no difference in pain
control at post-operation one month. Both techniques had
equal good clinical outcome during patients’ clinic follow
up.
Conclusion: Neurosurgeons provide alternative route for
CTS patients to receive surgical treatment. Being a
designated pain free hospital, anaesthetist collaboration in
carpal tunnel surgery is an added value and improves
patients overall experience and satisfaction.