Ganglion
Complications
Having a ganglion cyst removed is a minor procedure, so complications are rare and seldom serious. However, a small number of people experience permanent stiffness and pain after surgery.
If you have the operation under general anaesthetic, there's also a very small risk of complications to your heart and lungs. Pre-assessment tests before surgery should make sure your risks are as low as possible.
There is always a chance a ganglion cyst will come back after treatment. This is more likely if the ganglion is on certain areas of the wrist.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
<p>A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that develops near a joint or tendon. The cyst can range from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball. Ganglion cysts look and feel like a smooth lump under the skin. They are made up of a thick, jelly-like fluid called synovial fluid, which surrounds joints and tendons to lubricate and cushion them during movement.</p>
Treatment options
Treatment is usually only recommended if the cyst causes pain or affects the range of movement in a joint. The two main treatment options for a ganglion cyst are: draining fluid out of the cyst wit
Availability on the NHS
Most clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) don't fund treatment for ganglion cysts unless they cause significant pain or disrupt daily activities. If you want to have a cyst removed for cosmetic reas
Aspiration
Aspiration is usually carried out in the outpatient department of your local hospital or GP surgery. Your doctor will remove as much of the contents of the ganglion as possible with a needle and syrin
Surgery
There are two ways surgery can be used to remove a ganglion cyst: open surgery where the surgeon makes a medium-sized cut, usually about 5cm (2 inches) long,over the site of the affected joint or
After the operation
The surgeon will stitch up the wound and a bandage will be placed over the area. This helps keep the area clean,reducing the risk of infection, as well as keeping it safe from any accidental bumps. Th
Complications
Having a ganglion cyst removed is a minor procedure, so complications are rare and seldom serious. However, a small number of people experience permanent stiffness and pain after surgery. If you have
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