Hand surgery · Outpatient procedure · Vienna
Tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger, especially at night – carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve disorders of the hand. The operation is small but its effect is enormous: patients usually feel clear relief right after the procedure. As a specialist in hand surgery I perform this surgery on an outpatient basis, under local anaesthesia and with the greatest precision.
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The carpal tunnel is a narrow channel at the wrist through which the median nerve runs. When it is constricted, the nerve comes under pressure – sending tingling, numbness and pain into the hand.
In the early stage conservative measures can help. If the symptoms persist or the nerve has already changed, surgery is the only permanently effective treatment – and at the same time one of the most successful procedures in all of surgery.
Tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger
Night pain that wakes you from sleep
A feeling of weakness when gripping, dropping things
Wasting of the thenar (thumb-base) muscle in advanced stages
The surgery takes approx. 15–20 minutes and is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia
Many patients report clearly less tingling and pain immediately after surgery
Office work usually possible after a few days, suture removal after 10–14 days
Clinical examination, discussion of your symptoms and any findings (nerve conduction velocity, EMG). I explain honestly whether and when surgery makes sense.
Scheduling, clarification of insurance coverage. The procedure is planned as outpatient – you come in the morning and go home in the afternoon.
Outpatient, under local anaesthesia, approx. 15–20 minutes. The carpal ligament is released – the pressure on the nerve is immediately relieved. The success of the operation – and therefore your health – is my highest goal.
Dressing change and suture removal after 10–14 days in my office. Once nerve function has fully recovered, no further check-ups are needed.
Carpal tunnel release is a small procedure with quick recovery – this timeline shows the typical course.
The procedure takes only a few minutes and is performed as day surgery. Your fingers remain fully mobile – you go home the same day.
The bandage stays on for about a week. Light everyday activities are allowed; nighttime numbness usually improves quickly.
Stitches are removed after 10–14 days. Office work is usually no problem.
Increasing use of the hand, scar care. Strength returns step by step.
Firm gripping and heavy lifting are allowed again. The scar fades over months.
Surgery and hospital stay generally covered in full
Direct billing with your insurer – no upfront payment
Surgery date usually within 1–2 weeks
Transparent cost estimate before the procedure – no surprises
Surgery as a self-payer possible at any time
Practice visits: approx. 80% reimbursement of the statutory tariff from your public insurer
At Vienna’s private hospitals surgery dates are usually available within 1–2 weeks – without the months-long waiting lists of the public system. After your first consultation I take care of the cost estimate, insurance approval and scheduling with the hospital.
The procedure itself is painless under local anaesthesia. In the first 1–2 days after surgery mild wound pain may occur, which is easily managed with common painkillers. Most patients report that the surgery was much more comfortable than expected.
The night pain often improves within the first nights after surgery. The numbness recovers over weeks to months, depending on how long the nerve was affected. The earlier the surgery, the more completely and quickly the nerve recovers.
A recurrence after successful surgery is rare (under 5%). The release of the carpal ligament is permanent – the ligament does not grow back together. In rare cases scar formation can occur that requires further treatment.
As a rule I recommend operating on one hand after the other – so that you always have one functioning hand. In certain situations bilateral surgery can make sense. We discuss this individually in the office.
With supplementary (Sonderklasse) insurance (e.g. UNIQA, Generali, Wiener Städtische, Allianz and many more) all costs of the operation and hospital stay are generally covered in full. I am happy to provide a cost estimate in advance that you can forward directly to your insurer.
I operate at four renowned Vienna private hospitals: Klinikum Währing (Atomos), Wiener Privatklinik, Privatklinik Döbling and Rudolfinerhaus. We choose the hospital together in the first consultation – depending on the procedure, your insurance and your personal preferences.
Of course. Dr. Ghobrial works exclusively as a private physician (Wahlarzt) but treats all patients. He cares for private patients, those with supplementary (Sonderklasse) insurance and self-payers. As a Wahlarzt you can have part of the consultation and treatment costs reimbursed by your statutory health insurer afterwards – the exact terms vary by insurer. Supplementary insurance generally covers outpatient and inpatient costs depending on the contract.
Appointments are usually available within a few days. For urgent cases I try to arrange priority scheduling. You can reach me directly at 1040 Vienna: +43 1 585 62 60 or 1020 Vienna: +43 1 890 45 20, or book online via haelsi.at.
22 reviews on Google
“I can wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ghobrial to absolutely everyone! After a long time in pain I finally found someone who really takes time, listens carefully and thoroughly examines the cause. From the very first appointment I felt in the best hands – competent, friendly and honest. The best orthopaedist I know!”
Christoph G. · Local Guide · Google review
Write a review yourself →A second opinion gives you certainty. I will tell you honestly whether the operation is really necessary – and whether there are alternatives.
Tell me about your symptoms – I examine your hand thoroughly and explain whether and when surgery is the right step.
1040 Vienna: +43 1 585 62 60 · 1020 Vienna: +43 1 890 45 20
By prior appointment only · 1040 Vienna-Wieden (Große Neugasse 28/2) · 1020 Vienna-Leopoldstadt (Vorgartenstrasse 206c)