Ganglion Excision Surgery: Clearing the Path to Comfort and Movement
Our hands are an extension of everything we do—from grasping to holding, creating to communicating. But for many, simple tasks become sources of discomfort or pain due to the presence of ganglion cysts. So, what is a ganglion cyst? Essentially, it’s a sac filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid that stems from a joint or tendon. These cysts can sometimes shrink, grow, or even disappear on their own. But if they linger and start interfering with daily life, surgery may be the best course of action to provide much-needed relief and restore functionality.
Ganglion cysts often develop on the back of the wrist, palm side, or even on the fingers. Though their exact cause remains unknown, repetitive wrist movements, injury, or arthritis are sometimes linked to their formation. The cysts can vary in size and are often noticeable as soft, movable lumps beneath the skin, causing pain, tenderness, or restricted motion as the cyst presses on nearby nerves.
Ganglion Cyst Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals typically diagnose ganglion cysts through physical examination, where the cyst’s characteristics (movability, size, location) are assessed. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to further examine the structure and confirm the diagnosis. For smaller cysts or those that are not painful, a “wait-and-see”approach is common. However, for cysts causing significant discomfort or interfering with hand function, ganglion excision may be recommended.
For cysts that need removal, ganglion excision surgery is often the best option for long-term relief. The procedure is straightforward and is ideally suited for an ambulatory surgery center (ASC); specifically, WellBridge Surgical.
The Procedure
Ganglion excision can be performed under local, regional or general anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the cyst. After anesthesia is administered, the surgical area is sterilized and prepared. A small incision is made over the cyst. The surgeon then carefully dissects around the cyst, removing it along with the stalk (the part attached to the joint or tendon). This step ensures that the cyst is fully removed to prevent recurrence.
Once the cyst is removed, the incision is closed with sutures, and a bandage is applied. WellBridge Surgical enables patients to go home the same day, providing the opportunity for patients to follow a course of home care, including rest, immobilization, and sometimes hand therapy to restore full function. The opportunity for patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes, allows for more pleasant recovery in an environment that lends itself to maintaining one’s lifestyle and schedules.
Recovery
Recovery from ganglion excision is typically smooth, with most patients generally regaining full use of their hand within a few weeks. Postoperative discomfort is common, but it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and rest.
To promote healing, our surgeons provide instructions on wound care and patients are encouraged to avoid any strenuous activities with the hand for a few weeks. Hand therapy exercises are often prescribed to help restore range of motion and strength in the affected area, speeding up the recovery process and ensuring the best outcome.
As with any surgical procedure, it’s important to weigh the benefits against potential risks. While ganglion excision surgery is generally safe, there is a chance of recurrence, scarring, infection, or injury to nearby structures such as nerves or blood vessels. Discussing these risks with the WellBridge Team can be useful in making the decision for the best course of action.
Ganglion Excision Surgery at WellBridge Surgical
At WellBridge Surgical, we understand the impact that conditions like ganglion cysts can have on your daily life. Our team of skilled surgeons provides personalized care, performing same-day surgeries that focus on fast recovery and minimizing time away from your daily priorities.
Our outpatient approach allows for a cost-effective, comfortable experience, so you can be back to doing what matters most in no time. If you’re dealing with a ganglion cyst, contact WellBridge Surgical today to discuss your treatment options and how we can help you regain pain-free movement.
The healthcare industry can be intimidating, cloaked in ambiguity with respect to both pricing and treatment options. Under circumstances where treatment matters, WellBridge Surgical delivers high-quality surgical services directly to patients with cost-certainty, providing the peace of mind to proactively deal with both preventative and corrective healthcare issues. WellBridge has set the new standard for consumer-friendly healthcare in the Indianapolis area, supported by fixed, up-front pricing and an unparalleled level of patient understanding with respect to the most effective curative options. Ganglion Excision hand surgery via ASC care is just one of the many ways that WellBridge is leading the field in patient advocacy and service.
For more information about WellBridge Surgical and our procedures and pricing list, visit http://www.wellbridgesurgical.com