Ganglion

What is a Ganglion?

A Ganglion is a small painful swelling that typically develops near any joint or tendon.

The most common site for a Ganglion to develop is on the wrist or palm, although they can also occur on or around the foot, ankle or knee joint. A Ganglion is filled with a jelly like substance and surrounded by a fibrous capsule, which is attached to surrounding tissues. However, the ganglion itself is not actually connected to other tissues. A Ganglion can increase or decrease in size or appear or disappear without any obvious reason.

Ganglions are thought to arise because of a tiny hole developing in the lining of a joint or sheath, which leads to the lining projecting out and forming a Ganglion.

The exact reason for why certain individuals are predisposed to this condition is not fully understood, although women over the age of 50 are far more likely to suffer. This condition does not appear to be linked to any type of activity or occupation.

How is a Ganglion treated?

This first line of treatment for a patient experiencing early symptoms without pain is to simply wait and observe the situation to see if it resolves of its own accord. It is only when the condition fails to improve on its own and leads to significant pain that surgery may be indicated.

How is the surgical excision of a Ganglion carried out?

The surgical procedure to drain or remove a Ganglion is usually of a minor nature and performed under Local or Regional Anaesthetic (you will be awake). The procedure usually takes only a short amount of time to perform (approximately 10 - 15 minutes) for a single Ganglion, although multiple Ganglions or those that have become well anchored to complex tissues, such as nerves, can prove more lengthy and complex to perform. Nearly all Ganglion Excision procedures will be provided on a Day-Case basis.

Ganglions can be drained or excised completely dependant on the site and extent of the problem.

A simple drainage procedure is carried out with a simple sterile needle and syringe followed by an injection of steroid to reduce the chance of further fluid build up.

The complete removal of a Ganglion involves an incision across the swelling and a simple shelling procedure to remove the entire Ganglion from within its capsule.  

Once the procedure is complete the wound will be closed with absorbable sutures and/or covered with a simple dressing and support bandage. Occasionally, a temporary light plaster cast to compress and support the operated area may be applied.

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid complications such as excessive swelling and joint stiffness from developing. It is therefore normal for patients to be encouraged to undertake physiotherapy exercise related to their affected area immediately after surgery. Patients are normally discharged home 2-4 hours later.

If a plaster cast dressing was applied to an operated area it is usually removed after 5 days and replaced with a light support bandage.

During the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their affected joint mobility and improving their range of movement through progressive physiotherapy. Your Consultant Surgeon will then assess your condition after six weeks to evaluate how successful the procedure has been.

Are there any risks associated Ganglion Excision surgery?

Although Ganglion Excision is regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist surgery.

All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation with an expert surgeon to discuss your condition in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Ganglion Excision surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert in Ganglion Excision surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating surgery and because of their specialist orthopaedic surgical expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert Orthopaedic surgeon: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com