Surgery for Ganglion Cysts
Ganglions are benign cysts that can originate from joints or tendon sheaths. Surgery for this condition involves making an incision just over the mass, and excising the cyst and a portion of the tissue that it originates from.
Goals
- Attempt to permanently remove the mass.
- Reduce or eliminate pain associated with the ganglion
- Submit the specimen for definitive pathologic diagnosis
Possible Alternatives to Surgery
- Padding
- Shoe modification
- Aspiration of the mass with/without injection with cortisone
Potential Complications / Risks
Recurrence of the mass; Nerve injury or numbness; Stiffness; Tendon injury or tendonitis; Unsightly or painful scar; Prolonged swelling; Prolonged pain; Excess scar formation / fibrosis; Delayed healing or non-healing of skin / soft tissue; Circulation disturbance of skin/ soft tissue; Infection of soft tissue or bone; Incomplete relief of pain; Arthritis; Change in shoe size; Hematoma or bleeding complication; Phlebitis; Mild to life-threatening reaction to medications and or anesthesia.
Usual Post-Operative Care / Recovery
Walk in a special surgical shoe immediately after surgery with crutches or other assistive device; use elevation, rest, water-tight ice packs, and prescribed medications for pain and swelling control; keep bandages dry and in place for approximately two weeks; sutures are removed in approximately two weeks; utilize anti-swelling and anti-stiffness physical therapy for one to six months; return to loose shoes or sneakers in approximately 2 to 4 weeks; return to fashionable shoes in one to three months; return to sedentary activities and/or occupation in one to four weeks; return to demanding activities and/or occupations in two weeks to two months
