Carpal tunnel syndrome commonly affects both hands. Often one hand will be more severe than the other, and you may opt to have the more severe side operated on first. If both sides are badly symptomatic, and you've tried non operative measures, you can choose to have both sides operated on at the same time, or to do this staged, anywhere from a week to several months apart.
The advantage of bilateral carpal tunnel decompression is that your recovery is shorter: i.e. you don't have to come back and have the other side operated on. If you're taking time off work following the surgery, this might lessen the overall loss of work time, and if you work heavily with your hands this can be an important consideration.
However, the disadvantage of having both sides operated on at the same time is having a bulky bandage on both hands. You can't get the wounds wet for two weeks, and so you won't have the one good side for everyday tasks. Going to the bathroom can be especially challenging.
Many people opt to have a staged carpal tunnel decompression for this reason. But the reality is you are entitled to chose the option that you think works best for you....
More info:
https://rupertwharton.com/pages/carpal-tunnel
https://rupertwharton.com/blogs/news/what-causes-tingling-in-the-fingers
https://rupertwharton.com/blogs/news/what-is-affected-in-carpal-tunnel-syndrome
https://rupertwharton.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-treatment-options-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome
https://rupertwharton.com/blogs/news/how-effective-is-carpal-tunnel-decompression-surgery
https://rupertwharton.com/blogs/news/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-is-there-anything-else-it-could-be
© rupertwharton.com
Rupert Wharton, Hand surgeon in Central London (King Edward VII) and South West London (New Victoria and Kingston Private Health)