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Ganglion Excision for the Wrist

What Is Ganglion Excision (Wrist Surgery)?

Ganglion excision surgery in the wrists removes swelled nerve endings that occur on the back of the wrist or near tendons and joints.  Younger adults tend to be prone to ganglions.  General anesthesia is available, but most surgeons use local anesthesia for ganglion excision surgery in the wrists.  Making an incision in the skin, the surgeon removes the ganglion and stitches the wound shut.  To complete the procedure, the surgeon puts a bulky bandage over the stitches and places the arm in a sling to reduce swelling.  The patient can usually remove the sling after 24 hours, but the stitches and bandages remain in place for 10 days post surgery.  Once the wound heals, a scar typically forms, and the skin around it is often permanently numb.   

Some discomfort may be apparent after the ganglion excision surgery in the wrist.  Most patients receive prescription medication to control the discomfort and can return home 1 to 2 hours after the operation.  Just before leaving the hospital, the patient should check that the wound is not bleeding or swollen.  Regular movement of the fingers during the recovery period is important.  Patients should not drive as long as the bandage is in place.  They can usually resume work within 2 to 3 days if it does not involve putting pressure on the treated hand.  Patients can typically resume manual labor after 2 to 3 weeks. Â