Carpal tunnel release is surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain and weakness in the hand that is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve and the tendons that flex (or curl) your fingers go through a passage called the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This tunnel is narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain. A thick ligament just under your skin makes up the top of this tunnel. In carpal tunnel release, the surgeon will cut through this ligament to make more space for the nerve and tendons. The surgeon will make a small surgical cut in the palm of your hand near your wrist. Then will cut the carpal transverse ligament to ease the pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes, tissue around the nerve is removed as well.