Ganglionectomy
Ganglionectomy is a procedure in which the doctor removes a cyst from your
hand, wrist, foot, or other part of your body. A ganglion cyst is a swollen, closed sac
under the skin. The sac is attached to the sheath of a tendon or may be attached to a
joint. The cyst contains fluid similar to joint fluid.
Alternatives to this procedure include:
- taking out the fluid with a needle or a syringe, with or without a
cortisone injection
- choosing not to have treatment, recognizing the risks of your condition.
You should ask your health care provider about these choices.
Preparing for Ganglionectomy?
Plan for your care and recovery after the operation, especially if you are
to have general anesthesia. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help
you with your day-to-day duties.
Follow the instructions your health care provider gives you. Do not eat or
drink anything after midnight or the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink
coffee, tea, or water after midnight.
What to expect during Ganglionectomy?
You will be given a general, regional, or local anesthetic. Local and
regional anesthetics numb part of the body while you remain awake. A general anesthetic
relaxes your muscles and puts you to sleep. All three types of anesthesia should keep you
from feeling pain during the operation.
Your doctor will cut around the cyst and remove it. Your doctor will then
close the cut with stitches or special surgical strips.
What are the risks associated with
Ganglionectomy?
- There are some risks when you have general anesthesia. Discuss these risks
with your health care provider.
- A local or regional anesthetic may not numb the area quite enough and you
may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to
the drug used in this type of anesthesia. Local or regional anesthesia is considered safer
than general anesthesia.
- The cyst may come back.
- There is a small risk of infection and bleeding. However, the cut usually
heals quickly without any problems.
- In rare cases, nerves or blood vessels in the area may be damaged.
- The healing cut could form an unsightly scar. Usually the scar is not
noticeable in the long run.
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