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HAND SURGERY

Ganglion Cyst Removal

 

WHY UNDERGO SURGERY FOR GANGLION CYST REMOVAL?

Benefits of Surgery for Ganglion Cyst Removal

Most Ganglion cysts develop in the wrists and hands, and are benign. Sometimes, however, these round fluid-filled lumps can press on nearby nerves or interfere with joint movement. This is when surgical removal is recommended. Conditions for which this surgery is recommended include Flexor Sheath Ganglion and Retina Ganglion Cyst. 

Dr. Okada Surgery Options Preparation FAQs

 

Haruko Okada, MD

Physician & Owner, Stratus Plastic Surgery

Our hands are critical to our enjoyment of life and Stratus understands how debilitating hand conditions and injury can be. As an American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified surgeon with Subspecialty Certification in Surgery of the Hand (SOTH, formerly CAQ), Dr. Okada specializes in treating a variety of complex hand conditions, providing results that restore movement and function.

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Options for Ganglion Cyst Removal Surgery

 

Dr. Okada will consult with you to determine the best procedure for your surgery. The goal of the procedure is to remove any cysts causing pain. There is also a variation of a ganglion cyst that forms at the distal interphalangeal joint, or the finger joint closest to the nail, caused by underlying arthritis. The ganglion formed here puts pressure on the nail and makes a groove in the nail plate. This is called a "mucous cyst of the finger,” and Dr. Okada can also remove these.

 

 Preparing for Treatment

GANGLION CYST REMOVAL SURGERY CONCERNS & EXPECTATIONS

  • Initial Assessment

    Dr. Okada will consult with you in our offices to evaluate your condition and determine whether surgery is the best option. She will then talk to you about the procedure and prepare you for next steps.

  • During Treatment

    This surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that lasts about a half hour. During this time, the doctor will perform the procedure while you are under general anesthesia, removing the cyst along with its capsule or stalk.

  • Recovery Timeline

    Your incisions will be closed with stitches, and the surgical site will be bandaged. You’ll need to take care to follow directions to keep the stitches clean and dry. Full recovery and relief from pain should take 2 to 6 weeks.

  • Dr. Haruko Okada is simply the best! As a surgeon myself, my hands are extremely important to me, and I trust her exclusively to care for them. I also often refer my own patients to her for cosmetic surgeries, such as abdominoplasty and liposuction, and they all tell me that they love her. She has an excellent bedside manner, and she always does the right thing for her patients, counseling them appropriately before and after their procedures. I can't recommend her highly enough!

  • Dr Okada took such good care of me. Fantastic bedside manner, responsive to my concerns and I am so happy with my results! The staff at the office were so warm and good humored and also organized.

  • Absolutely amazing and would highly recommend! Dr. Okada is an artist with a scalpel and knows exactly what she’s doing. I love my results and I couldn’t have picked anybody else better. I had developed a few complications in recovery due to personal health related issues and even when the unexpected occurred Dr. Okada and her staff was ready, she knew exactly what she was doing and my well being was her number 1 priority.

  • I had an amazing experience with Dr. Okada and the all the staff at her office, it was so easy to call and get answers anytime I had questions about anything. I’m so happy with my results and am grateful for everyone’s help and support!

Your Questions, Answered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GANGLION CYST REMOVAL SURGERY

 
 

Who should consider having this surgery?

If non-surgical treatments have failed and cysts are causing pain or restricting movement, then surgery is the best option. Dr. Okada rarely recommends aspiration, since recurrence is common with this procedure.

What are the possible risks of Ganglion Cyst Removal Surgery?

As with any surgery, complications and risks are possible. Some of these can include: 

  • Infection

  • Damage to the surrounding nerves or tendons

  • Recurrence

How can I prepare for a surgery? 

There are several things you can do to help your surgical outcome be the best it can be. If you smoke, stop now. Smoking has several effects on blood flow and can delay the healing process after any surgery.

 
 
 

Considering the next step in your journey?

Complete this form or call our office to schedule your surgical consultation with Dr. Okada today.