Comparison of Local Only Anesthesia Versus Sedation in Patients Undergoing Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Release

Inclusion Criteria: Patients with a diagnosis of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and who have been recommended to undergo bilateral carpal tunnel release will be recruited to the study. Standard diagnostic criteria will be utilized by the surgeon including symptoms, objective signs on physical exam, and adjunct studies such as electromyography, nerve conduction and neuromuscular ultrasound. These patients may be identified in any of four surgeon offices, all of whom are fellowship-trained in hand and upper extremity surgery. As in standard practice, the participating surgeons will screen individuals to identify any contraindications for either method of anesthesia. Patients meeting the general inclusion and exclusion criteria listed below will be eligible to participate. Should any questions arise regarding an individual's eligibility or safety, a consultation with Dr. Mike Guertin, anesthesiologist, will be obtained. Inclusion criteria include: - Individuals who are able to give consent - Individuals who are at least 18 years of age but no older than 89. - Individuals who require bilateral carpal tunnel release surgery - Willingness to undergo each type of anesthesia Exclusion criteria include: - Age \< 18 years and \> 89 years - Prior history of carpal tunnel release - Allergy to local anesthetics - Medical conditions that would exclude the participant from being a candidate for sedation during surgery (examples: respiratory conditions (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, sickle cell disease); liver and kidney disease.) - Any other contraindications for sedation not listed - Unwillingness to participate in the study - Unable to consent for themselves -First surgery being performed endoscopically or open and the second surgery requiring the opposite technique - Prisoners