Ganglion Cyst Surgery: What to Expect and How to Prepare
If you’re noticing a lump near your wrist or foot, you may be dealing with a ganglion cyst. While some of these fluid-filled lumps disappear on their own, others become painful or restrict movement, requiring professional treatment. This article covers everything you need to know, from diagnosis, surgery, to recovery, and when to seek help.
If you’re considering treatment in Marietta or Atlanta, GA, Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow offers advanced care for ganglion cyst removal. Contact us today to learn how we can help relieve pain, restore mobility, and support your long-term wellness.
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled noncancerous lump that usually develops near a joint or tendon, most commonly on the wrist. It may also form on the hands, ankles, or feet. A ganglion cyst may restrict movement or press on a nerve, causing discomfort, tingling, or weakness.
The cyst is a fluid-filled sac connected to the joint by a capsule or stalk. If left untreated, it may grow, shrink, or fluctuate in size. While some cysts resolve without intervention, others require ganglion cyst treatment, especially if they become painful or interfere with function.
Surgical Procedure for Ganglion Cyst Removal
If a ganglion cyst presses on surrounding nerves, interferes with hand function, or doesn’t respond to other treatments, your doctor may recommend ganglion cyst surgery, also known as ganglion cyst excision.
Before Surgery
When your doctor decides that surgery is the best option, the following steps will likely be taken:
- Your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery.
- You’ll receive specific instructions to prepare. This may include stopping certain medications and fasting if general anesthesia is required.
- Your doctor may draw a line to mark the incision location on the location where a ganglion cyst is present (commonly a dorsal ganglion cyst on the back of the wrist).
During Surgery
The surgical steps may include the following:
- During surgery, your doctor numbs the treatment area using either local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
- A small incision is made over the cyst. The doctor will completely remove the cyst capsule or stalk to completely remove it from the joint.
- Removing the entire capsule or stalk helps reduce the chance that the ganglion cyst will recur.
- Once the doctor removes the cyst, they will carefully close the incision.
- After the cyst is removed, your doctor stitches the opening and applies a sterile dressing.
After Surgery
Ganglion cyst removal is usually an outpatient procedure; therefore, patients return home the same day.
What Are the Benefits of Ganglion Cyst Removal?
Surgical removal offers several potential advantages, especially when conservative ganglion cyst treatment hasn’t been effective:
- Improved mobility: If the ganglion cyst presses on nearby nerves or tendons, removing it may relieve discomfort and restore movement.
- Lower recurrence risk: A ganglion cyst may recur if the doctor only drains the cyst with a needle. Surgical removal of the stalk and capsule significantly reduces the chance that this will happen.
- Better diagnosis: During cyst removal, a doctor removes tissue, which can be analyzed to confirm the cyst is benign.
- Enhanced function: After surgery, many patients experience better hand strength and flexibility.
Homecare After Ganglion Cyst Wrist Surgery
Following ganglion cyst removal, proper at-home care is key to healing. Here’s what you may expect:
- Keep the surgical site clean and follow any dressing instructions given.
- You may be advised to wear a splint to limit motion initially.
- Finger exercises involving stretching may be recommended early to prevent stiffness and promote blood flow.
- Avoid heavy lifting and let the skin heal naturally.
- If your cyst is located in the foot or ankle, wearing looser shoes can help alleviate pressure on the healing site.
- Follow-up visits will ensure your recovery is on track and that there are no signs of infection or complications.
When to Ask for Help
After surgery, it’s important to watch for any symptoms that might indicate a problem:
- Redness, swelling, or fluid at the surgical site
- Fever or other signs of an allergic reaction
- Tingling or numbness that doesn’t go away
- A new lump is forming where the old one was
- Excessive pain that doesn’t improve with medication
If any of these occur, contact your doctor immediately.
Why Choose Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow?
Whether you need wrist and elbow surgery or help with a lump near the hand or wrist, Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow offers compassionate, high-level care. Our team includes some of the region’s top doctors, specialists in hand, wrist, and elbow conditions, and we use the latest techniques to ensure thorough removal and faster recovery.
Schedule a consultation today at our Marietta or Atlanta, GA, locations and take the first step toward relief and restored motion.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Randall Alexander
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