Procedure
Ganglion
A small, fluid-filled lump forming near a joint or tendon, most often on the wrist or hand. Surgery removes the cyst together with the surrounding tissue.
Procedure facts
- Duration
- 30–45 minutes
- Anaesthesia
- Local or regional
- Hospital stay
- Day case, no overnight stay
- Pre-admission tests
- Not required
- Downtime
- 1–2 weeks
- Driving
- About 1 week
- Exercise
- 2–4 weeks
- Final result
- A few weeks
Overview
Ganglions are small, fluid-filled lumps that form near joints or tendons, most often on the wrist or hand.
Surgery removes the ganglion cyst and the surrounding tissue, which relieves the pain or discomfort it causes and reduces the chance of it returning.
Risks and considerations
Removing a ganglion carries the general risks of surgery, and its most notable specific risk is recurrence: a ganglion can come back even after complete excision, and this is more likely than with many hand operations. Scar tenderness and some temporary stiffness are common. Depending on where the ganglion sits there is a risk of injury to nearby nerves, vessels or tendons, and occasionally a small area of numbness around the scar. Any ache the ganglion caused is usually improved but not always fully resolved. Whether excision, aspiration or simply leaving it alone is the better course for a particular ganglion is discussed at the consultation.
How we quote
A quotation follows consultation, because what it costs depends on what the operation actually involves for you — the technique, the time in theatre, and whether anything is being addressed at the same time. We do not publish price lists and we do not quote before examining you.
Arranging a consultation
Book a slot in the clinic diary directly, or send the details of what you are considering and we will reply with the times we have.