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Wrist ganglion removal
ganglion cyst · wrist ganglion · wrist lump · bump on the wrist
A ganglion is a soft lump filled with fluid near a joint or tendon in the hand. The surgeon removes it through a small cut.
When the lump gets in the way, hurts, grows or presses on a nerve.
⏱ Duration: surgery usually takes 20 to 60 minutes, and you usually go home the same day
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Tests. Sometimes an ultrasound of the hand and blood tests are done. The clinic will give you the list.
- Food. If you will have general anesthesia, you usually do not eat from the evening before. For local numbing, ask the clinic.
- Rings. Take off rings and bracelets from that hand in advance.
- Clothing. A loose, wide sleeve.
What to bring
- Your referral and test results
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- Your hand is cleaned with an antiseptic
- You get numbing by an injection in the arm, or general anesthesia
- The surgeon makes a small cut over the lump
- The ganglion is removed together with its lining
- The wound is stitched and bandaged, sometimes with a splint
What you'll feel
- The numbing injections are unpleasant, but during the surgery you feel pressure without pain
- Afterwards there is aching pain and swelling, and you are given a painkiller
Afterwards
- Keep your hand raised for the first days
- Keep the bandage dry
- Stitches are usually removed after 1 to 2 weeks
- Increase the load on your hand gradually, as the surgeon tells you
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Fever above 38
- Severe pain, swelling, redness or pus from the wound
- Fingers that are numb, pale or blue - see a doctor right away
Common questions
Can a ganglion come back?
Sometimes yes, even after surgery. The surgeon will explain how to lower this risk.
Can I just crush it?
No. It can damage the tissue, and the ganglion often comes back.