Ganglion Cyst Removal

FAQs

How are ganglion cysts treated?

How your ganglion is treated will depend on its size and location. Ganglion removal is done under either local or general anaesthetic depending on the cyst. Our consultant will advise you on the type of treatment you will need and whether we can assist you at Summerfield Healthcare.

The preferred ganglion cyst treatment is minor surgery and this is the method we offer. Surgery is either done as open surgery, where an incision is made and the full ganglion cyst exposed and removed.

Keyhole surgery is less likely to leave scarring, usually heals faster and is often the preferred surgical method for ganglion removal where it is possible. During arthroscopic surgery a small camera is used to look inside the incision to properly cut and remove the cyst with minimal damage to your skin.

The whole procedure usually takes around 30 minutes depending on the size and location of the ganglion.

How long is recovery time?

Ganglion removal is a routine out-patient procedure and you will be able to leave immediately after your treatment.

If you had surgery and would normally drive yourself, you will need to arrange for transport as the surgical area will be bandaged and if you had surgery on your wrist or hand you will also need to wear a sling.

You will need to keep the area elevated as much as possible, so if your cyst was removed from your leg or ankle then it is a good idea to keep your leg up. You will be given a high sling if the cyst was on your hand or wrist.

To make sure your joints stay mobile, you should gently flex the joint where the cyst was removed on a regular basis. 

Ganglion cyst treatment usually leaves a scar. At the beginning your scar may be dark red and raised, but the scarring will go down over time. You may also experience bruising, swelling, and pain following surgery. This is normal and should subside within a few days. You can take over the counter medication such as paracetamol if needed.

Full recovery time varies in every case depending on the size and location of the cyst. Although most people can return to regular work within a few days, if your work involves manual labour or intensive movement then you may need to take more time off. If you are concerned about recovery time you can talk to your consultant who will advise you on your individual case.

Why choose Summerfield Healthcare?

When you book a consultation with Summerfield Healthcare, you can be assured of quick virtual appointments with an experienced specialist wrist surgeon, meaning you only have to attend our clinic once you know that our surgeon can provide your procedure.

No referral is required and we accept self funding and insured patients.

How do I book?

We can arrange your ganglion cyst excision quickly and easily, simply book a virtual consultation with our orthopaedic hand surgeon online, email your enquiry to [email protected] or call our reception team on 0333 9000 010. 

Summerfield Healthcare’s medical reception team are specially trained to deal with all enquiries in a professional, prompt and private manner.