Background and objective: There are different methods and incisions to release the transverse carpal ligament in carpal tunnel syndrome. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcome of the conventional extended incision with the limited mid palmar one. Methods: The study was a prospective comparative one. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were divided into two groups: Group 1 was patients operated on by the conventional extended incision, Group 2 with a limited mid palmar incision. Results: The patients included were 79 with 89 hands. The age mean was 41 years. Group 1 included 47, and Group 2 included 42 hands. The differences between both groups were statistically significant regarding the operative data (the incision length and the operative time) and the post-operative data (the duration of analgesia needed, the date of starting to use the hand in daily life activities, and return to work). However, the date of improvement of the sensory symptoms from the fingers showed no significant differences. The sum of the overall complications that occurred for the cases of Group 2 was about a third of that occurred for Group 1. The highly significant difference was in the scar tenderness in the third month of the post-operative period. Conclusion: The limited mid palmar incision to release the entrapment of median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome offers a shorter operative time, less analgesia needed post-operatively, less complication rate, less scar tenderness, earlier use of the hand in daily life activities, and return to work in a shorter period. Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Surgical treatment; Incision.