Ganglion removal
Ganglion removal refers to the medical procedures undertaken to address ganglion cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs typically formed near joints or tendons, most commonly in the wrist and foot. While these cysts are generally harmless and may often resolve spontaneously, they can cause discomfort or restrict movement, prompting individuals to seek treatment. In cases where removal is warranted, a physician may either aspirate the fluid using a needle or perform a surgical excision of the cyst.
Aspirating the ganglion can provide temporary relief, while surgical removal tends to offer a more definitive solution, although there is still a possibility of recurrence. It is important to note that the procedure carries some risks, including potential infection and damage to surrounding tissues, particularly if the cyst is large. Recovery and management options such as wearing a wrist brace may also help minimize symptoms without surgical intervention. Overall, individuals considering ganglion removal should weigh the pros and cons with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their specific situation.
Subject Terms
Ganglion removal
Anatomy or system affected: Feet, hands, tendons
Definition: The removal of fluid-filled sacs that usually develop on the tendons of the wrists, fingers, or feet
Indications and Procedures
Ganglions are cysts that are formed from sacs containing the synovialfluid surrounding tendons. This fluid reduces friction on adjacent tissues during movement. Ganglions range from the size of a pea to a golf ball. Ganglionformation typically occurs around the tendons of the wrist but may also occur on the foot. Smaller ganglions are more common and often spontaneously disappear. Ganglions are not harmful and typically are not treated unless they cause pain or the patient desires treatment for cosmetic reasons.
Ganglion cysts are oftentimes harmless and may not require treatment. Complications arise, however, when a cyst begins to restrict movement or becomes painful after coming into contact with a nerve. At this point, the removal of a ganglion may become advisable. To remove a ganglion, the physician will disinfect the skin overlying the cyst and insert a needle attached to a syringe in order to aspirate the fluid from the ganglion. This procedure usually reduces the ganglion’s size only temporarily. Some physicians will make an incision into the skin and remove the whole ganglion. This procedure requires thorough disinfection of the skin using alcohol or povidone-iodine and may require a local anesthetic such as lidocaine to be injected under the skin. Surgical instruments are used to dissect the cyst wall from the tendon and surrounding tissues. The total removal of the ganglion usually prevents recurrence, although ganglions may recur even after surgery in some cases. Ganglion are now able to be removed without surgery. One method is for the cyst to be drained. A wrist brace can also be worn that will restrict the movement of a patient, and in doing so, will cause the cyst to reduce in size.
Uses and Complications
As in any invasive procedure, the physician performing the surgical removal of a ganglion must be cautious so as to prevent infections or damage to surrounding healthy tissues. In terms of expectations, there is an approximate 15% rate of recurrence to the initial removal of a ganglion.
The larger the ganglion, the greater are the potential complications. A longer incision must be made, which allows a large site for potential bacterial invasion and infection. The larger ganglion also requires more extensive dissection from surrounding tissues, which increases the possibility of injury to these structures. Although it is rare, tendons, ligaments, and nerves can be permanently damaged in ganglion removal. For example, if a ganglion was located in the wrist and the underlying tendons and nerves were severely damaged, the result may be a limited use or loss of use of the hand. At present, no medications exist that will eliminate a ganglion.
Bibliography
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