Introduction
When symptoms are not improved with non-surgical measures, surgery is recommended for removal of cyst. The aim of surgery is to cut out the mucous cyst in entirety.
Procedure
Surgery is performed under general or local anaesthetic and is performed as a day only procedure.
Here, skin incisions are made to excise the cyst in entirety. In addition, the stalk connecting the cyst to the joint is removed and the bone spurs (osteophytes) caused by arthritis are also removed.
Occasionally a small amount of skin needs to be also removed. This is repaired with a local flap of skin or occasionally a small skin graft is used.
The skin is closed with sutures and bandages placed around the finger.
Recovery
- Day surgery procedure.
- Drive within 2 weeks.
- Return to work within 2 weeks.
Results
Satisfaction rates post-surgery are over 95%.
Risks and Complications
These include:
- Stiffness. Most patients will have some stiffness after surgery and may require hand therapy.
- Recurrence of cyst (approximately 10%).
- Infection.