Day Surgery

Ganglion

Ganglion excision surgery in Townsville with Dr Jonathon de Hoog, Aspire Orthopaedics. Day surgery, quick recovery.

Performed at: Townsville Day Surgery

What is a ganglion?

A ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst that arises from a joint or tendon sheath, most commonly around the wrist. They appear as a firm, smooth lump under the skin, and can change in size over time. The fluid inside is thick and jelly-like.

Ganglia are harmless. They are not cancerous and do not turn into cancer. Most occur on the back of the wrist (dorsal wrist ganglion), on the front of the wrist near the thumb (volar wrist ganglion), or at the base of a finger (flexor sheath ganglion).

Symptoms

  • A visible or palpable lump, often appearing quite suddenly
  • Size that varies over time, sometimes disappearing altogether
  • Aching or discomfort with wrist movement or pressure on the lump
  • Occasionally, weakness of grip if the ganglion is large

Many ganglia cause no symptoms at all and are noticed only cosmetically.

Diagnosis

Ganglia are usually diagnosed from the history and examination alone. Ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis if there’s any uncertainty.

Non-surgical treatment

For an asymptomatic ganglion, no treatment is needed. Around half of ganglia resolve spontaneously over time.

For symptomatic ganglia, options include:

  • Observation - reasonable for most cases
  • Aspiration - drawing the fluid out with a needle. Simple, but recurrence is common
  • Splinting - occasionally helpful for associated discomfort

Surgery is offered for persistent, symptomatic ganglia that haven’t responded to non-surgical measures.

Surgical treatment - ganglion excision

The operation removes the ganglion together with its stalk at its origin from the joint capsule or tendon sheath. Removing the stalk is what reduces recurrence.

  • Performed at Townsville Day Surgery
  • Usually under regional nerve block with light sedation
  • Takes around 20-30 minutes
  • You go home the same day with a light bandage

Recovery

  • Day of surgery - home with a bandage; light hand use encouraged
  • Week 1-2 - bandage removed, stitches out around 10-14 days
  • Weeks 2-4 - back to desk work within a few days; manual work within 2-3 weeks
  • Weeks 4-6 - full recovery of movement and strength

Risks

  • Recurrence - around 5-10% even with careful surgical excision
  • Scar tenderness and stiffness - usually temporary
  • Injury to nearby structures - particularly relevant for volar wrist ganglia, which sit close to the radial artery
  • Infection - rare

Recovery timeline

What to expect at each stage of your recovery.

  1. Initial appointment

    Before surgery

    Diagnosis from history and examination. Ultrasound if needed for confirmation. Non-surgical options discussed first.

  2. Surgery

    Day of

    Regional nerve block with light sedation. 20-30 minutes. Home the same day with light bandage.

  3. Wound check

    10-14 days

    Bandage removed, stitches out.

  4. Full recovery

    4-6 weeks

    Full recovery of movement and strength. Desk work within a few days, manual work within 2-3 weeks.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about this procedure.

Is a ganglion dangerous?

No. Ganglia are harmless. They are not cancerous and do not turn into cancer. Around half of ganglia resolve spontaneously over time. If a ganglion causes no symptoms, no treatment is required.

Will the ganglion come back after surgery?

Recurrence occurs in around 5-10% of cases even with careful surgical excision. Removing the ganglion together with its stalk at its origin from the joint capsule or tendon sheath reduces recurrence - this is why excision is preferred over aspiration (needle drainage), which has a higher recurrence rate.

When can I drive after ganglion surgery?

Most patients can drive within a few days to a week after ganglion excision, depending on which hand is affected and how comfortable you feel using it. This will be discussed at your appointment.

Do I need a GP referral?

Yes. A GP referral is required and is valid for 12 months.

Speak with Dr de Hoog

A GP referral is required to see Dr de Hoog. Ask your GP to refer you to Aspire Orthopaedics, or contact the rooms directly for guidance.

Get a referral Email the clinic