Excision of a Ganglion
This webpage will give you information about an excision of
a ganglion. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is a ganglion?
A ganglion is a lump under the skin that contains fluid.
Most ganglions form near the wrist joint (see figure 1).
They are also found on the ankle and foot. The fluid in the
ganglion comes from the joint through a narrow channel.
What are the benefits of surgery?
The lump and any discomfort from it should disappear. Surgery
gives the best chance of stopping the ganglion coming back.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
A ganglion will often disappear on its own after a year or two.
If your ganglion is not causing much trouble, it is best to leave
it alone.
The fluid can be taken out of the ganglion using a needle. This
improves any discomfort for a while. Your doctor may also inject
the ganglion with a steroid (cortisone). These treatments may help
for a short time.
What does the operation involve?
A variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible.
Your surgeon will make a cut over the ganglion and separate the
ganglion from the nearby tendons, nerves and blood vessels. They
will then remove the ganglion from where it comes out of the
joint.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the wound
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Damage to small nerves near the ganglion
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day. The joint where the
ganglion was can continue to ache but any joint stiffness should
get better fairly quickly. Some ganglions come back after a few
months or years.
Summary
A ganglion is not serious. If it is causing trouble, your
surgeon can remove it.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Banbury, Horton NHS Treatment Centre
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Boston, Boston Treatment Centre
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital