Carpal tunnel release involves cutting the carpal ligament to reduce pressure on the median nerve. The carpal ligament is one of the tissues that connect the bones in your wrist together and the nerve runs through your wrist to your hand. Carpal tunnel release is a minor procedure that can be performed as day surgery with local anaesthetic. The operation is usually done through a small cut on the palm of your hand, near your wrist, or by keyhole surgery.