For the first one to two weeks after surgery, follow the doctor s instructions closely with regard to dressing care and elevation. Whether the surgery is done by open or closed technique, the incision usually heals very nicely. Post-operative exercises are started about two weeks after surgery, and consist of the exercises described above. Complications can happen with any kind of surgery. In addition to complications related to anesthesia, there could be occasional instances of excessive bleeding, infection, and nerve or tendon damage, persistent weakness or numbness.
Most patients however can expect to undergo surgery without any complications.
Results with surgery tend to be excellent. Most of the tingling and pain disappears within two weeks. Recurrence is not frequent, especially if the patient maintains good health habits and does his or her exercises regularly. Most office workers return to work after two to three weeks. If you do heavy work or use heavy equipment, it may take six to eight weeks.