The benefits of ganglion cyst surgery are:

• pain associated with a ganglion is taken away once the ganglion cyst is removed.
• function is restored and you can once again perform daily activities
• improved cosmetic appearance especially if the ganglion is large.
• the best chance of stopping the ganglion reoccurring.

Ganglion cyst removal surgery is performed under local or general anaesthetic as a day case procedure.

Your ganglion is carefully removed in its entirety including the extended part that attaches it to tissue below your skin such as nearby tendons, nerves and blood vessels.
Ganglion surgery can be performed by open surgery (your surgeon makes a medium-sized cut, over the ganglion site) or by arthroscopic surgery (keyhole surgery that requires smaller incisions to pass a tiny camera called an arthroscope and instruments through to remove the cyst).

Your surgeon will discuss the best surgical option with you based on where your ganglion is, which anaesthetic you'd prefer, and what they recommend.

Ganglion cyst surgery is a minor procedure with complications rare and seldom serious.

As with any operation there is a risk of bleeding, infection of your wound or unsightly scarring. There is also a risk of damaging the small nerves near the ganglion or permanent stiffness.
There is a chance your ganglion may return after a few months or years. Your surgeon will discuss all risks associated with this procedure beforehand.

If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available. A ganglion removal surgery may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.

After this day case procedure, you can usually go home the same day. You may be required to wear a sling initially.
Recovery normally takes between two to six weeks. You can to drive again once you feel safe to do so. The amount of time you need off work will depend on where the ganglion is and your job type.

Ganglion cyst removal surgery is performed to surgically cut away a ganglion cyst. It aims to relieve pain, improve joint function and cosmetically enhance the ganglion area.

Excision of a ganglion is regularly performed at Ramsay Health Care Hospitals to relieve pain, improve function and for cosmetic reasons. It is unlikely you will be eligible for cosmetic treatment of ganglion cysts on the NHS.

Our highly regarded orthopaedic surgeons offer convenient appointments at your local Ramsay Hospital to discuss the treatment options of your ganglion.

Cobalt Hospital Specialists

Mr Chris Coapes

Mr Chris Coapes is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Middlesborough and Newcastle with a special interest in Hand and Wrist conditions
Read more
Mr Graham Dall

Mr Graham Dall is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in foot and ankle, working at Cobalt Hospital in Newcastle.
Read more
Mr Thomas Dehler

Mr Thomas Dehler is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Tyneside with a special interest in Hand, Wrist, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Read more
Mr Andrew Gray

Mr Andrew Gray is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Newcastle who specialises in knee injuries and arthritis
Read more
Mr Rajesh Kakwani

Mr Rajesh Kakwani is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in Foot and Ankle surgery in Newcastle.
Read more
Ms Sarah Kettle-Klenka

Ms Sarah Kettle-Klenka is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Middlesbrough who specialises in Hand and Wrist surgery
Read more
Mr Jan Marciniak

Mr Jan Marciniak is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Newcastle who specialises in Knee conditions
Read more
Mr Dionysios Trigkilidas

Mr Dionysios Trigkilidas is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Newcastle, North Tyneside who specialises in foot and ankle surgery.
Read more
Mr Santosh Venkatachalam

Mr Santosh Venkatachalam is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Cobalt Hospital in Newcastle and specialises in upper limb surgery including shoulder, hand, wrist and elbow.
Read more

Related Treatments

Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel is nerve compression in the wrist causing pain and numbness. Explore carpal tunnel surgery, a procedure relieving pressure on the median nerve in the wrist to improve hand function and reduced discomfort.

Find out more

Hand and Wrist Surgery

Hand and wrist surgery is broad ranging orthopaedic specialty. It is normally performed by an orthopaedic consultant with a special interest in hands and wrists to treat several injuries or damages

Find out more

Dupuytrens Fasciectomy

Dupuytrens Fasciectomy is surgery to remove thickened, scar-like tissue from under the skin of the fingers and palm of the hand, responsible for causing Dupuytren’s contracture. The goal is to release the tight bands of tissue, allowing the affected fingers to regain their normal range of motion.

Find out more

Latest from Cobalt Hospital

Mr. Ragbir awarded as Honouree by The University of West Indies

The University of West Indies has named Cobalt’s Mr. Ragbir (Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon) as Honouree for their 2024 Graduation Ceremony in his hometown of Jamaica.

Find out more

BAPRAS President at Cobalt Hospital

Mr. Ragbir, Consultant Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon at Cobalt Hospital is currently the president of BAPRAS (The British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons). They pride themselves on providing accurate patient information to educate patients to make the best choice when it comes to their health and cosmetic surgery.

Find out more

Elevating Standards in Endoscopy at Cobalt Hospital with Advanced Olympus Equipment

We are delighted to let you know that Cobalt Hospital has secured Olympus’ most advanced EVIS X1 scopes, elevating our endoscopy services to new heights. This cutting-edge equipment enables us to deliver the highest standard of care, ensuring superior outcomes for our patients.

Find out more

Specialties

Treatments

Tests & Scans

Your Care

Clinical Information

Funding Treatment

Ganglion Cyst Removal