[Endoscopic operation or conventional open surgical technique in carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective comparative study].

A prospective, randomized study was performed on twenty patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Each patient had traditional open surgery on one side and single portal endoscopic release on the other. Follow-up examinations were undertaken at two, four, and twelve weeks and at eight months. The period between the two operative procedures was meanly three months (two to four months). The dominant hand was released endoscopically according to Agee in eleven cases and the non-dominant hand in nine cases. Sixteen out of twenty patients preferred the endoscopic release. Complications did not occur more frequently in patients operated endoscopically. The preoperative symptoms were relieved equally in both groups. Return to work or leisure activities was earlier in the endoscopic collective (20 days) in contrast to 30 days in the traditional operated group.