Quick answer
Carpal tunnel or ulnar nerve release with Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi costs 35,000–50,000 EGP, and tendon release (trigger finger, trigger thumb, De Quervain’s) costs 25,000–30,000 EGP. The price varies with the hospital, the anaesthesia and whether one or both hands are treated, and is confirmed after examination and nerve studies.
✅ Last medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, on 5 October 2026
Price is one of the first questions patients ask, and a fair one. My advice is always to make sure first that you need surgery and that the diagnosis is right, because an operation in the wrong place will not solve the problem at any price. Full medical details are in carpal tunnel release and hand nerve surgery.
Hand nerve and tendon release prices
| Procedure | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Carpal tunnel release | 35,000–50,000 EGP |
| Ulnar nerve release (elbow or Guyon’s canal) | 35,000–50,000 EGP |
| Trigger finger release | 25,000–30,000 EGP |
| Trigger thumb release | 25,000–30,000 EGP |
| De Quervain’s release | 25,000–30,000 EGP |
Prices usually cover the operation, local anaesthesia and day-case facilities, and vary with the hospital, the type of anaesthesia and whether one or both hands are treated; the final price is confirmed after examination and nerve studies.
What affects the price?
- Anaesthesia: local in most cases, deeper anaesthesia in special situations.
- The hospital and level of service.
- One hand or both in the same session.
- Technique: mini-open or endoscopic — see endoscopic vs mini-open carpal tunnel release.
- Additional causes such as a cyst or tenosynovitis, or revision after previous surgery.
Video: median nerve release surgery
Key numbers to know
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment worldwide (Padua et al., Lancet Neurology 2016).
- In a Cochrane review of 14 randomised trials (1,231 patients, 84% women), surgery roughly doubled the chance of long-term improvement compared with splinting, and 44% of the splint group were later referred for surgery (Lusa et al., Cochrane 2024).
- A steroid injection clearly improved symptoms at 10 weeks, but 73% of patients given the higher dose still had surgery within a year, versus 92% after placebo (Atroshi et al., Annals of Internal Medicine 2013).
- Across 28 studies (2,586 hands), endoscopic and open release had the same long-term results; endoscopic patients returned to work about 8 days sooner, with 45% fewer minor complications (Vasiliadis et al., Cochrane 2014).
| Treatment | When we use it | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Night wrist splint | Mild and moderate cases, especially night-time numbness | Reduces night waking for many patients within weeks |
| Activity changes and nerve gliding | Alongside every stage | Supports treatment but does not replace surgery in severe cases |
| Steroid injection | Mild and moderate cases, or when a splint is not enough | Clear relief within weeks; symptoms may return |
| Mini-open carpal tunnel release | Moderate to severe cases, thumb muscle wasting, or failed conservative care | Usually under local anaesthesia as a day case; night numbness improves quickly |
| Endoscopic release | Selected cases | Same long-term results with a slightly faster return to work |
At Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi’s clinics in Nasr City, Mohandeseen and New Cairo (5th Settlement) we examine the hand and review your nerve study at the same visit, confirming where and how badly the nerve is trapped before choosing a splint, injection or release.
Is the operation worth it?
Nerve release is one of the most successful hand operations; most patients improve, especially when it is done before muscle wasting. Delaying it in severe cases can make numbness and weakness permanent. Expected results are detailed in carpal tunnel release success rate.
Before choosing on price
- Make sure a nerve conduction study confirms the site and severity.
- Make sure the neck and elbow have been examined.
- Ask about the technique, the surgeon’s experience and follow-up.
- Know what the price covers and what may be added.
After surgery see recovery after carpal tunnel release.
Frequently asked questions about carpal tunnel release cost
How much does carpal tunnel release cost in Egypt?
With Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi, 35,000–50,000 EGP for nerve release such as carpal tunnel or ulnar nerve, depending on the hospital and anaesthesia.
How much does trigger finger surgery cost?
Tendon release such as trigger finger, trigger thumb and De Quervain’s costs 25,000–30,000 EGP.
Does the price include nerve conduction studies?
Nerve studies are done before deciding on surgery and their cost may be added if not already done; what the price includes is explained at consultation.
Is surgery on both hands more expensive?
Yes, the price differs when both hands are treated and is set after assessment.
Does insurance cover carpal tunnel release?
It depends on the insurer and policy; check with your insurance company before surgery.
To have your hand assessed and your nerve tests reviewed, book a consultation, call +20 155 240 4488 or message us on WhatsApp at +20 155 554 7181.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. This article is general medical education and does not replace an examination or the treatment plan your surgeon sets for you. See our medical disclaimer.
Related hand nerve and tendon guides
Related guides on carpal tunnel surgery:
- Carpal tunnel release and hand nerve surgery
- Endoscopic vs mini-open carpal tunnel release
- Recovery after carpal tunnel release
- Carpal tunnel release success rate
- Trigger thumb release cost
References
- Graham B, et al. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline on: Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016;98(20):1750-1754.
- Louie D, et al. Long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel release: a critical review of the literature. Hand (N Y). 2012;7(3):242-6.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.