The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Decompression and neurolysis of nerves
Surgery to release trapped peripheral nerves, relieving pain and numbness. Our leading nerve specialist carries out this complex procedure at the Peripheral Nerve Unit
What is nerve decompression surgery?
Peripheral nerves serve the upper and lower parts of your body. Carpal tunnel syndrome (trapped nerve in the wrist) is a common example in the upper body and tarsal tunnel (trapped nerve in the ankle) is an example of the lower body.
There are many causes of peripheral nerve damage. Traumatic impact, infections, hereditary and autoimmune conditions, metabolic causes and diabetes are all common factors. When they become trapped, you can feel numbness, pain, muscle weakness, sensitivity to touch and even burning sensations. If motor nerves are affected, you may experience paralysis. These symptoms can be short-term or chronic, depending on the cause.
This nerve procedure aims to relieve the pressure of a trapped peripheral nerve (neuropathy).
Need to know
This procedure happens under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will use a special surgical microscopic loop to examine the affected area. Once the compressed nerve is found they will cut any tight bands of ligaments or tissues pressing on the nerve (neurolysis) to relieve pressure. The nerve is then left alone to regain function.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
After a few hours of rest, you should be able to go home the same day. If the procedure was performed after trauma, this may be longer. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.
As nerve fibres grow back slowly, you may only feel the benefits of this procedure after some time. If the nerve damage is severe, you may not regain full function. Your consultant will answer any questions you may have.
Mr Marco Sinisi - Peripheral Nerve Specialist
At HCA Healthcare UK, we work with leading consultants to enable access to the the latest techniques and treatment.
Mr Marco Sinisi is our lead consultant for Peripheral Nerve Injuries based at The Wellington Hospital. Mr Sinisi has a comprehensive knowledge of nerve injuries and has experience in a wide range of nerve problems from trauma through to sports injuries. He is experienced in managing complex nerve conditions as well as performing complex nerve operations.
Our Decompression and neurolysis of nerves locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.