Aftercare Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least
48 hours after surgery and report any signs of infection or inflammation to
their physician. A follow-up appointment should be scheduled within three weeks
of aspiration or excision. Excision may result in some stiffness after the
surgery and some difficulties in flexing the hand because of scar tissue
formation.
Risks Aspiration has very few complications as a treatment for ganglion
cysts; the most common aftereffects are infection or a reaction to the cortisone
injection. Complications of excision include some stiffness in the hand and scar
formation. Ganglion cysts recur after excision in about 5–15% of cases, usually
because the cyst was not completely removed.
Normal results Aspirated ganglion cysts disappear and cause no further
symptoms in 27–67% of cases. They may, however, reoccur and require repeated
aspiration. Aspiration combined with an injection of cortisone has more success
than aspiration by itself. Excision is a much more reliable procedure, however,
and the stiffness that the patient may experience after the procedure eventually
goes away. The formation of a small scar is normal.
Morbidity and mortality rates The only risks for ganglion cyst removal are
infections or inflammation due to the cortisone injection. There is a small risk
of damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels.
Alternatives Alternatives to aspiration and excision in the treatment of
ganglion cysts include watchful waiting and resting the affected hand or foot.
It is quite common for ganglion cysts to fade away without any surgical
treatment.
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