Ganglion Cyst Excision – Procedure, Recovery, and More
Ganglion cysts are frequent, non-cancerous growths that usually develop along a joint or tendon, most commonly in the hands, wrists, ankles, or feet. The size of these fluid-filled sacs may change, and they may come on suddenly or gradually. Although most ganglion cysts are not harmful or painful, some may cause discomfort, affect movement, or cause unsightly swelling for some people.
Surgical Excision: For cases involving persistent symptoms like pain, tingling, and limited movement, especially when the cyst puts pressure on surrounding nerves, the surgical removal of the cyst may be suggested. In today’s blog post, we’ll learn more about what ganglion cysts are and when they need to be removed, how the surgery is performed, and what to expect during the recovery process.
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
Ganglion cysts are round and filled with a jelly-like fluid (synovial fluid) that comes from the tissue surrounding a joint or a tendon. Most ganglion cysts occur on the wrist or hand, but they may also surface on the foot or ankle.
While their exact cause isn’t always known, they’re believed to develop because something has irritated or injured a joint or tendon, and tissue bulges out and forms a cyst. Risk factors include repeated stress to joints (common in athletes or manual labourers), age (most common in individuals ages 15–40), and sex (more commonly occurs in women).
Non-surgical treatments, such as watching or draining the fluid with a needle (aspiration), may be tried first. Yet these treatments are not really a complete cure, because cysts frequently return.
When Is Ganglion Cyst Excision Needed?
Surgery to remove a ganglion cyst may be performed in these cases:
- Chronic pain or discomfort: This is particularly the case when regular activities such as gripping or walking are compromised by the cyst.
- Numbness or tingling: Which can develop from the cyst putting pressure on the nerves around it.
- Cosmetic reasons: Some individuals choose to remove a cyst if it has become unsightly or large.
- Recurrence after aspiration: If conservative treatments do not work, or if you keep getting the cyst back, excision will be a more permanent answer.
Ganglion Cyst Excision Procedure: What to Expect
Pre-Surgery Preparation
- Before the procedure, you will meet with a specialist who will evaluate the cyst and your symptoms. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound and MRI are necessary if a cyst is not easily seen or felt. The surgeon will also describe the available types of anaesthesia — local (numbing the area) or general (you’ll be asleep).
The Surgical Process
- The operation itself typically involves a minor, outpatient procedure that takes about 30 minutes. A 1-inch skin incision is made directly over the ganglion, and both the ganglion and its stalk (attaching it to the joint or tendon) are removed. This lowers the possibility of the cyst coming back. When the cyst has been removed, the cuts are closed with stitches, and a bandage or dressing is placed over the area. Sometimes, a splint is used to protect the area and help it heal.
Post-Surgery Care
- After the operation, you’ll be bandaged up, and you’ll be taught how to take care of the wound. It’s important to keep the area clean and dry. A splint may also be recommended to be worn for a few days to help minimise movement. Pain is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter medications, but it’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms of infection like redness, warmth, or discharge.
Ganglion Cyst Excision Recovery Timeline
Acute Post-Op (First Few Days)
- Place the affected site at rest and limit its motion.
- Maintain a clean and dry incision to prevent infection.
First Two Weeks
- If non-dissolvable, stitches are generally removed after 10–14 days.
- Light activities can be progressively reintroduced.
Recovery Over the Long Term (4–6 Weeks)
- Physical therapy may be prescribed in order to regain full range of motion, especially if the joint was immobilised.
- Recovery: Most patients will be back to normal activities in 4–6 weeks, though your surgeon will provide individualised advice.
Risks and Possible Complications
While ganglion cyst excision is relatively safe, there are risks of the procedure:
- Surgical site infection.
- Scarring or stiffness of the joint involved.
- Risk of the cyst returning (not as common as with aspiration).
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels, a rare but potential effect.
Preventing Ganglion Cyst Recurrence
There’s no guaranteed method for preventing a ganglion cyst from coming back. But cutting back on repetitive strain to joints and early treatment of symptoms may help. If a new cyst forms, prompt consultation may permit less invasive treatment before the cyst becomes large or symptomatic.
Conclusion
They don’t always need treatment, but then sources them in surgical cases where there is long-term pain, nerve symptoms, or functional loss, etc., which is where his surgery can shave off an effective solution. By recognising what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, patients can be more comfortable and confident in the decisions they make regarding their own health.
Call a doctor to talk about options if you’re dissatisfied with a ganglion cyst that won’t go away. Your well-being and independence count—let us help you take the next step toward a fuller and stronger lifestyle.
Convenient appointments are available near Hampstead with trusted professionals. Get in touch with Chase Lodge Hospital today.
