Ganglion Cyst Surgery

If conservative treatment options are not successful and a ganglion cyst continues to be painful, limits your activity and causes numbness or tingling of the hand or fingers, then your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the ganglion cyst.

Procedure

Surgery can be open technique or minimally invasive with arthroscopy, where a small camera is inserted for the surgeon to clearly view the area of operation. The surgery can be conducted under local or general anesthesia. The area of the ganglion cyst is cleansed, and an incision is made across the cyst. The contents of the cyst are then excised along with its root, and the opening is sutured and bandaged.

Post-op Care

Both aspiration and surgery are outpatient procedures and you will be able to go home on the same day. If you have undergone surgery, you should be able to resume daily activities within 2 to 6 weeks. Your hand will be bandaged and placed in a sling. You will be prescribed medication to control swelling, pain and stiffness. If pain or stiffness persists, you may need further treatment with occupational or physical therapy.

Risks and Complications

Ganglion cyst removal is a fairly safe procedure and is associated with minimum risks or complications. Chances of recurrence are 20% with aspiration and 10% with surgery. If the cyst develops again, your doctor will suggest surgery. A second surgery decreases further occurrence of the cyst but increases the risk of damage to surrounding nerves.