Treating and Removing a Ganglion Cyst

An orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Timothy P. Schweitzer focuses on treating issues related to the hands and upper extremities at VA Puget Sound. Dr. Timothy P. Schweitzer maintains membership with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He emphasizes quality care for patients.
One common issue of the hands requiring surgical treatment is the removal of ganglion cysts. Filled with fluid, ganglion cysts typically present themselves at the hand or wrist and may also be found on the foot or ankle. The cysts can be painful in cases where a nerve is impacted and also restrict movement.
Surgery becomes an option after the exhaustion of other pathways, including draining, which involves puncturing the cyst with a sterilized needle. Unfortunately, this technique does not remove the cyst, which can grow back over time. Another strategy is the use of a wrist brace that restricts forearm movement and may allow the unimpacted cyst to decrease in size over time.
The surgical removal of a cyst is an outpatient procedure and involves the physician applying local or general anesthesia. The cyst is cut out using a scalpel, with the opening typically stitched to encourage quick healing.
