What is Cyst Excision?

Cyst excision is an elective surgical procedure to remove asymptomatic wrist, hand, or finger cyst. The procedure is usually performed using local anesthesia and IV sedation. After the patient is relaxed and can feel no discomfort or pain, the following steps are performed:

• An incision is made near the cyst
• Soft tissues are moved and the cyst is exposed
• The cyst’s stalk and roots are carefully excised

The incision is carefully closed and dressed and a soft dressing is wrapped around the area for comfort. Symptoms decrease very quickly if not immediately. 

What Does a Cyst Excision Treat?

Ganglion cysts are small non-cancerous fluid-filled lumps that develop on the wrist, hand, and fingers. Ganglion cysts are common and usually, do not produce symptoms or produce symptoms that nonsurgical treatment options easily treat. A ganglion cyst that is large and presses a nerve or tendon may be symptomatic. The following are common symptoms:

• Pain
• Restricted movement
• Tenderness

Ganglion cysts are usually easy to palpate and visualize so diagnosis is easy. A minimally invasive cyst aspiration may be recommended before surgery to see if aspirating cyst fluid improves symptoms. Patients who experience symptoms and make an appointment with us can look forward to symptom relief in as short a time frame as possible.