Excision of a Ganglion

A ganglion is a lump under your skin that contains fluid.

Ganglions usually form near joints. 3 in 4 ganglions form near the wrist. They are also found on your ankle and foot.

The fluid in the ganglion comes from a joint or tendon through a narrow channel.

The lump and any discomfort from it should settle. Surgery gives the best chance of preventing the ganglion from coming back.

A ganglion will often disappear or become less painful 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.

Your doctor may also inject the ganglion with a steroid (cortisone).

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Your surgeon will separate the ganglion from the nearby tendons, nerves and blood vessels. They will remove the ganglion from where it comes out.

You should be able to go home the same day.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The joint where the ganglion was can continue to ache.

Some ganglions come back after a few months or years.

General complications of any operation

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Unsightly scarring of your skin
• Infection of the surgical site (wound)

Specific complications of this operation

• Damage to an artery
• Damage to small nerves near the ganglion
• Continued aching where the ganglion was
• Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your arm or leg