Which factors affect electrophysiological parameters in patients undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an upper limb neuropathy that occurs as a result of compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel and is the most common mononeuropathy in the general population. The aim of the study was to assess the electrophysiological parameters of the median nerve before and 6 months after surgical treatment of CTS in patients with a history of smoking and comorbidities. Material and methods: 84 patients with CTS who were eligible for surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Electrophysiological tests were performed in the patients before and 6 months after surgery for CTS. Results: The results of the study prove that smoking and diabetes significantly worsen the electrophysiological parameters in patients undergoing surgical treatment of CTS. Conclusions: Smoking and diabetes cause a significantly worse prognosis in patients after surgery for CTS.