Ganglion Cyst Removal in South Africa

Before ganglion cyst removal, your doctor will mark the incision location by drawing a line above the cyst. You will then be given a local, regional, or general anesthetic to ensure you do not feel pain during the surgery. Local or regional anesthesia numbs the affected area, but you stay awake. To help you relax, your doctor may also give you a sedative. General anesthesia will cause you to “fall asleep” during the procedure, so you will not be aware of anything.

Once you are anesthetized, your doctor will cut along the marked line using a scalpel. Then, the doctor identifies the cyst and cuts it out. Its capsule or stalk will also be removed. Once the cyst is removed, the cut will be closed with stitches.

Ganglion cyst removal is an outpatient procedure. Therefore, you can leave the hospital the same day you have the surgery. You should plan to stay in South Africa for at least 7 days for ganglion cyst removal. During your stay, you will have to attend a follow-up checkup where your doctor monitors your condition and remove your stitches.

After surgery, you may experience some discomfort, tenderness, and swelling. Depending on the type of work you do, you may be able to go back to work within 1 or 2 days following your surgery. However, for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, you will need to avoid activities that involve repeated hand movements, such as typing, using a computer mouse, carrying things in the affected hands, or vacuuming if the surgery is done on your hand or wrist. You should also avoid activities that make your hand vibrate, such as using power tools. If the surgery is done in your ankle or foot, you need to do less walking. 

The total recovery time can take around 2 to 6 weeks until you can go back to your full normal routine.

Your doctor will give you detailed post-operative instructions that you need to follow closely. These instructions may include:

• Avoid getting the surgical site wet until your doctor says it’s okay. 

• Do not swim, take a bath, use a hot tub, or soak the surgical site until your doctor allows you too.

• You may be able to eat your normal diet once you feel well. However, you may need to try bland and low-fat foods if you experience an upset stomach, such as toast, broiled chicken, plain rice, and yogurt.

• Your doctor may give you prescription pain medicine, make sure to take it as prescribed.

• Talk to your doctor when you can restart your medicines (such as blood-thinners or other medicines you need to treat certain medical conditions).

• Keep the area of the incision clean and dry.

• Anytime you lie or sit down, try to keep the area above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

• You may need physical therapy after you heal to regain strength, movement, and grip in your hand and wrist.

Surgery is considered as the most effective technique to treat ganglion cyst. However, the ganglion cyst can still reoccur even after surgery. A study found a 29.7% recurrence rate in a sample of 52 people.

As with any surgical procedure, ganglion cyst removal have some possible risks and complications. These include:

• Infection

• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia

• Sensitivity around scar tissue

• Losing the ability to move your wrist normally

• Injuries to surrounding ligaments, tendons, or nerves.

There are numerous alternatives to ganglion cyst removal, such as:

• Aspiration – this procedure involves the use of a needle to drain the fluid from the cyst.

• Immobilization – temporarily immobilizing the area with a splint or brace may help to stop the ganglion cyst to shrink. As the cyst shrink, pressure on your nerves may also be released, relieving your pain.