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What is
Ganglionectomy?
Ganglionectomy is a
surgical procedure that involves
the removal of a ganglion.
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Effects
of Ganglionectomy
This procedure
is effective in removing ganglion cysts.
Ganglionectomies may also be done for other
reasons, such as the treatment of chronic
pain.
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Candidates
for Ganglionectomy
Individuals who have been diagnosed with
ganglion cysts are the best candidates for
this procedure.
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Your
Consultation
Do not eat or drink anything past midnight
or the morning of the procedure. Do not even
drink coffee, tea or water after midnight.
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The Ganglionectomy
Procedure
General, regional or local anesthetic will
be given to you. Then the doctor will make
an incision around the cyst and take it out.
After that, the doctor will close the
incision with the use of stitches or special
surgical strips.
A
majority of physicians prefer the more traditional procedure
called aspiration. In this procedure, an 18- or 22-gauge
needle connected to a 20–30-mL syringe is inserted into the
cyst. The doctor gets rid of the fluid slowly by suction.
The doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the
joint after the fluid has been withdrawn. Then a compression
dressing is applied to the site. The patient stays in the
office for about 30 minutes.
Several
ganglion cysts are so huge that excision may be necessary.
In this procedure, the physician palpates, or feels the
borders of the sac with the fingers and marks the sac and
its periphery. Then the sac is cut away with a scalpel.
After that, the doctor closes the incision with sutures and
applies a bandage. The patient stays in the office for about
30 minutes.
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Recovery
Patients should stay away from strenuous
physical activity for no less than 48 hours
after surgery and should report any signs of
infection or inflammation to their doctor. A
follow-up appointment should be scheduled
within 3 weeks of aspiration or excision.
Excision may result in a little stiffness
after the surgery, as well as some
difficulties in flexing the hand due to scar
tissue formation.
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Risks
Aside from the risks that anesthesia may
bring, other risks include infection,
bleeding and the recurrence of the cyst. In
rare cases, nerves or blood vessels in the
area may be damaged. Also, the healing cut
could develop an unsightly scar but may not
appear too obvious after some time.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What
is a
ganglion
cyst?
A:
A ganglion cyst is a bump or mass that grows beneath the
skin. Most commonly, ganglions are seen on the wrist
(usually the back side) and fingers, but can also build up
around joints on the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, ankle and
foot. Ganglion cysts extend when tissues near certain joints
turn out to be inflamed and swell up with lubricating fluid.
They can grow in size when the tissue is irritated and often
can "disappear" spontaneously. Sometimes, these masses or
cysts appear to grow but are not tumors or cancerous.
Q: What
are the symptoms?
A:
Ganglions can be painless; however, they are frequently
coupled with tenderness and pain, which may constrain the
range of movements.
Q: How is
a ganglion cyst diagnosed?
A:
Ganglion cysts are rather easy to diagnose because they are
mostly visible and pliable to the touch. They are recognized
from other growths through their location near tendons or
joints and via their fluid consistency. Ganglion cysts are
sometimes mixed up with a carpal boss (a bony, non-mobile
spur on the top of the wrist), but can generally be singled
out by the fact that they can be moved and are usually less
painful for the patient.
Q: What
are the causes of ganglion cysts?
A:
The origin of ganglions is not that evident. Conditions such
as rheumatoid arthritis or non-occupational factors have
been linked with ganglion cysts. Occupational factors also
play a significant role in the growth of ganglions. Those
occupations that necessitate workers to overuse certain
joints such as the wrist and fingers create the probability
for ganglion cysts.
Q: What
is a ganglionectomy?
A:
Ganglionectomy involves the removal of a cyst from your
hand, wrist, foot or other body part. A ganglion cyst is a
swollen, closed sac under the skin. The sac is connected to
the sheath of a tendon, or may be attached to a joint. The
cyst consists of fluid comparable to joint fluid.
Q: What
are the alternatives to this procedure?
A:
Substitutes to this procedure consist of taking out the
fluid with a needle or a syringe, with or without a
cortisone injection, and opting not to have treatment,
acknowledging the risks of your condition.
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