Ganglion removal surgery at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital

A ganglion is a smooth, soft lump under the skin, which most often occurs around the wrist or ankle, or at the base of the palm of the hand. You may need surgery to remove the lump if it is painful or other attempts to treat it, such as draining the fluid, have not worked.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals or clinics.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

We understand that having surgery can potentially be a time of anxiety and worry. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you, providing reassurance, every step of the way.

A ganglion removal operation can be performed under either a general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep during the procedure, or a local anaesthetic, meaning you will be awake but the area around your cyst will be numb. The operation usually lasts about 30 minutes, once the anaesthesia has taken affect.

During the operation, your surgeon will make a cut over your ganglion. He or she will remove it from the joint or tendon lining without disturbing the surrounding structures. Where a ganglion is tricky to remove, your surgeon will make the cut larger than the size of the lump. At the end of the operation, the cut is closed with stitches.

The operation to remove a ganglion is routinely performed as a day case procedure, meaning you won't need to stay overnight.

After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.

The cut made at the site of the ganglion will be covered with a bandage. If the ganglion was on your hand or wrist, your arm will be placed in a high sling. Your arm or leg (depending on where the ganglion was) may be raised on a pillow in bed. 

Recovery time

If you need them, continue taking painkillers as advised by your healthcare team. You should keep the dressing clean and dry. Attaching a plastic bag over the top of the dressing or wrapping it in cling film will keep it dry while you take a shower or bath. You can usually remove the sling after 48 hours and any splint or cast after five days.

For the first week, you should keep the arm or leg that has been treated raised on two or three pillows at night and when resting. This helps to reduce swelling. It is important to gently bend and flex the fingers and wrist of the affected hand (or toes and ankle) while the dressing is in place. Physiotherapy is not usually needed.

Avoid wearing jewellery on the affected hand or foot until you have seen your surgeon at your follow-up appointment. You must follow your surgeon’s advice about driving and returning to work.

How your loved ones can help

Once you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive.

Looking after you

Even after you have been discharged, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After a ganglion removal operation, we will provide you with all the appropriate medication, advice on what to do and not to do and follow-up support.

Typically your consultant will want to see you about two weeks after your treatment to see how you’re doing.

Like all medical treatments, complications following a ganglion removal operation can occur including excessive swelling, delayed healing and damage to surrounding skin nerves. If you experience any of these symptoms, please call us straight away. Occasionally, a ganglion reappears in the same place, but this is not common. Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re ready to help.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

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Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.

Procedures carried out at one of our Spire Healthcare Clinics will be performed under local anaesthetic.