Ganglion excision

Category: Bone, Joint & Spine Procedures · All bone, joint & spine procedures

What it is

A ganglion is a benign fluid-filled swelling arising from a joint or tendon sheath, most often on the back of the wrist. Excision removes the ganglion together with its stalk to reduce recurrence.

Why it is done

Surgery is considered when a ganglion is painful, limits movement, presses on a nerve, or keeps recurring after aspiration (drawing off the fluid). Many ganglions are harmless and can simply be left alone.

How to prepare

Day surgery, often under local or regional anaesthetic for the wrist; fasting depends on the anaesthetic planned. Tell the team about blood thinners and allergies.

What happens during the procedure

The surgeon makes a cut over the swelling, carefully separates the ganglion from tendons, nerves and vessels, and removes it with its stalk to the joint. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Afterwards — recovery & results

The wrist is bandaged, sometimes splinted briefly. Keep it elevated and move the fingers. Stiffness settles with use and exercises over a few weeks. Most return to desk work within days and manual work in a few weeks.

Risks & considerations

Risks include infection, bleeding, scar tenderness, stiffness, injury to small nerves or vessels, and recurrence — ganglions can come back even after complete excision, in a recognised minority of cases.

Watch: Ganglion excision videos

Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.

▶ WatchGanglion cystWatch on MedicalVideos.com ▶ WatchGanglion cyst at wristWatch on MedicalVideos.com ▶ WatchGanglion cyst drainageWatch on MedicalVideos.com

Frequently asked questions

Can't it just be burst or drained?

Aspiration can deflate it temporarily but recurrence is common because the stalk remains. The old method of striking with a heavy book is not advised — it can injure the wrist.

Is a ganglion dangerous?

No — ganglions are benign and do not turn into cancer. Assessment is still worthwhile to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other lumps.

Related procedures — Bone, Joint & Spine Procedures

ACL reconstruction Ankle arthroscopy / fusion consult procedures Bunion surgery (hallux valgus correction)Fracture fixation surgery (ORIF)Hip arthroscopy Hip fracture surgery

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Please note: This page is educational information about a medical procedure or test. It does not replace the instructions of your own care team, who know your situation and whose preparation, fasting and medication advice you should follow if it differs from anything here. If you have symptoms that worry you, or an appointment you do not understand, contact your clinical team.