'Back out in the combine': Nebraska surgeon offering quick, effective solution to carpal tunnel syndrome

PAPILLION, Neb. -- Pressure on the medial nerve of the wrist and hands, tingling and pain are some of the symptoms that damage the health of those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. That’s in addition to lengthy post-operative recovery and hospital bills.

But Nebraska surgeon Dr. Demetrio Aguila is introducing a new way of dealing with the often-painful ailment.

Aguila has been practicing carpal tunnel nerve pressure release surgery with 'Sonex Health' technology. Using a micro knife, ultrasound and a tiny incision, Dr. Aguila says the procedure is up to 97% successful.

“Because we do the procedure through such a small incision, and we can be very precise about what structures we’re cutting and what structures we’re not cutting, patients can go back to work almost immediately,” Aguila said. “We have ranchers that are out moving cattle the same night. We’ve had patients who are farmers who come in, we do the procedure over their lunch break. They’re back out in the combine that afternoon.”

With an initial consultation, the surgeon confirms the diagnosis and the patient's eligibility to undergo the surgery.

From the same consultation, the medical team proceeds to prepare the operating room to perform the surgery; in which for this patient it took less than 45 minutes for both hands.

"They don't need general anesthesia and they also don't need narcotic drugs like oxycodone or morphine,” Aguila said.

Dr. Aguila is one of the only two surgeons who perform this surgery in Nebraska. He said he has helped patients from various states who seek him to alleviate their ailments.

"With this procedure, we have a way that they can achieve results without a lot of pain, without high prices, without the scary problems,” Aguila said.