Speaking of endoscopic surgery, my orthopedist says both the conventional surgery and the endoscopic method are equally effective, but there is a slightly higher risk of nicking the nerve endoscopically. This link shows an image of the surgery and makes it easier to understand his rationale.
http://www.umm.edu/graphics/images/en/19250.jpg
The goal in both approaches is to cut the ligament that passes just above the impinged nerve. The endoscopic approach greatly reduces the collateral damage, but does not give as clear a view and approach to the ligament. Does anyone else have a different understanding of this procedure?