Two years ago, I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand. Now I need it on the left. The last time they did an open incision but this time the surgeon is going to do it without opening my wrist. Will I be able to get back to work faster with this new method?

Many surgeons have switched from the open-incision method to the endoscopic approach. Instead of a four-inch long cut, the surgeon makes an incision just big enough to insert a small, fiber-optic TV camera called an endoscope.

The endoscope is placed through this portal or opening and into the carpal tunnel. The surgeon passes all instruments through this portal. This displays a view inside the wrist up on a video screen. The surgeon uses this visual tool to help complete the operation.

Although the endoscopic method is less invasive, the final outcomes of these two approaches is the same. Studies have failed to show one operation works better than the other.

Short-term results may be better with endoscopic surgery. With less bleeding and a smaller scar, you may be able to resume work activities sooner than with the open-incision method.