Treatment
Treatment is indicated if the ganglion causes pain, interference with function or if there is uncertainty about diagnosis. The cyst can be aspirated using a wide bore needle after numbing the skin with some local anaesthetic. As much material as possible is drawn out and some steroid can be injected into the cysts acting like a hardening agent. The cure rated is about 80% (similar to an operation). If is becomes recurrent, you will be offered an operation. This is also done under local anaesthetic and may be combined with a tourniquet, (applied to the upper arm for upper arm limb ganglion). The procedure takes about 15-45 mins. The ganglion is excised and the wound closed with some stitches.
For upper arm limb ganglia, please ensure that you remove all rings from your fingers before your appointment and that you wear a loose sleeved top.
Please ensure that you have someone to drive you home afterwards.
If you are on clopidogrel or dipyridamole(persantin), please inform your surgeon at your assessment.
