Question Author
CORRECTION
S: Thank you for your explanation.
Yes, the consultant is, indeed, a hand surgeon - NOT an orthopaedic surgeon. Apart from the carpal tunnel, he'd also mentioned something to do with the thumb. I assumed this also came under this term.
However, an X-Ray later, it seems that my major problem is
"De Quervain's Tenosynovitis". That is, the two large muscles opening and closing the thumb. Their tendons are held in position with their own 'tunnel'.
So, the Op will involve opening/easing this thumb tunnel **and** the first such 'rings' at the base of a couple of fingers.
>> Medical advice and comments from Tabbies who have gone through this op procedure would be most welcome.