Objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common complaint in orthopedic practice and usually treated with surgical intervention. The aim of the study was to compare wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique with general anesthesia and arm tourniquet in Carpal tunnel cases.

Methods: Fifty-two patients who underwent surgery for Carpal tunnel syndrome were retrospectively divided into two groups as WALANT technique (Group W) and general anesthesia with arm tourniquet (Group G). In addition to the demographic data, visual analog scale (VAS), opioid consumption, early complications, duration of stay in operating room (DSOR) and first analgesic need time were evaluated.

Results: When both groups were evaluated, early postoperative VAS scores, opioid consumption and DSOR were significantly lower in Group W than in Group G.

Conclusion: In conclusion, WALANT technique was associated with reduced early postoperative pain, lower DSOR and opioid consumption compared to general anesthesia with tourniquet method for carpal tunnel release.