Swellings in the Hand – Ganglions
Excision
The surgical procedure to remove a ganglion cyst is called excision and may be suggested by your hand surgeon when symptoms are not relieved with non-surgical treatments, or if it returns even after aspiration.
The procedure involves the removal of the cyst coupled with addressing the stalk. This is done by excising part of the involved joint capsule or tendon sheath to ensure a clean removal of the root of the cyst. However, it is also worth noting that there is still a slim chance that a ganglion cyst may reappear after the surgery. Even if a ganglion cyst does resurface again, although rare, revision surgery can be performed.
Excision is typically performed as outpatient surgery and you may experience some swelling, tenderness and discomfort following the treatment. You should be able to resume normal activities two to six weeks after the surgery.
Speak to our hand surgeon today to find out more about how excision will benefit you.