GANGLION RESECTION

A ganglion is a cyst that forms on top of a joint, ligament, or tendon. The cyst is filled with fluid. Because the ganglion is not cancerous and may disappear in time, if you do not have symptoms such as pain, your doctor may recommend observation only to make sure that no unusual changes occur.
The procedure to remove a ganglion is called ganglion resection. 

A ganglion may cause pain. The enlargement of the ganglion may cause skin irritation or make it difficult to wear shoes. The ganglion may cause pressure on nerves and produce burning, tingling, or numbness. For some patients, the appearance of a ganglion may not be acceptable.

SURGERY
Usually open surgery is done, though in certain circumstances your surgeon may recommend arthroscopic surgery. The entire ganglion wall is removed and some surrounding tissue that may be the root of the ganglion is removed to prevent recurrence of the ganglion cyst. The cut made in the skin to resect the ganglion is at least as wide as the lump. The wound will be closed with sutures and covered with a dressing. 

COMPLICATIONS
All surgeries come with possible complications, including the risks associated with anesthesia, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, and bleeding or blood clots.

Complications from a ganglion resection are rare and seldom serious. Ganglion resection surgery can occasionally result in pain or scarring. Recurrence of the ganglion will happen in 1 out of 5 patients.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • Would you recommend removal rather than aspiration?

    Aspiration (removal of fluid through a needle) of the ganglion cyst and injection of steroid is less invasive than ganglion resection but there is a relatively high rate of recurrence. It is reasonable to simply observe the ganglion cyst if it is causing no problems or to have it aspirated and injected to see whether this is effective before considering surgery.

  • May I continue to exercise after surgery?

    Depending on several factors, including the size and location of the wound, your doctor will advise you when it is safe to return to exercise. It is usually between 2 and 6 weeks after surgery.

  • Can this surgery make me worse?

    This is possible but unlikely. Ganglion resection will result in a scar and there is a 1 in 5 chance of the ganglion coming back after the operation.

  • Will my foot be pain-free after surgery?

    If you have foot pain that is not related to the ganglion then this may not be relieved by ganglion resection.   

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Information provided by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) via FootCareMD.com