GANGLION SURGERY

The illness

A ganglion is the abnormal out-pouching of the sheath surrounding the flexor or extensor tendons. It results most frequently from overuse stress. The most common sites are the back or palm surface of the wrist and below the knee joint. Symptoms are caused by strain on the wall of the sheath and by pressure on the surrounding nerves.

Treatment options

Ganglion induced complaints can be relieved by compresses, icepacks, pain-killers, as well as anti-inflammatory medications, but for a permanent solution surgical removal of the protruding tendon sheath is necessary. Timely surgery has very good outcome. The average time for recovery is 3-4 weeks, that does not mean that the patient can not ambulate, rather this is the time required for complete recovery of function.

Preparation for surgery

Prior to the procedure the patient is evaluated by the orthopedic surgeon. Next, we inform the patient on the medical feasibility of one day surgery. At this point we also discuss one day surgery as a special treatment option, the lab tests that are necessary, types of surgical anesthesia, possible complications, requirements for home care, phases of healing, possible problems during the healing process, and anything else that is necessary for the patient to determine which treatment option to chose.

The surgery

On the day of surgery we obtain the required lab tests, the patient signs the consent form and the fees are paid. Immediately before the operation, the patient receives premedication containing analgesics and sedatives. The surgery is done in local anesthesia, which means that the surgical field is infiltrated with 1% Lidocain. This is followed by a transverse incision above the ganglion, which is exposed all way to its "neck" in the tendon sheath and removed, followed by reconstruction of the tendon sheath. After careful hemostasis, the skin is closed with cosmetic sutures. We use elastic bandage to limit the movement of the wrist after surgery.

Possible complications

No doctor can guarantee a complication-free surgery. Complications can arise even following the most carefully performed procedures. Possible early complications like post-operative bleeding and inflammation, are easily treatable. If you experience even the slightest indication of complications (for example, bleeding or fever), you can contact your surgeon day or night, who will take the necessary steps to remedy any of the complications. During the course of recovery at home the patient might experience various symptoms, however, these are not always abnormal. Aching of the wound in the days following surgery is part of the healing process, and should not be cause for concern. Development of late complications can be prevented by using the proper surgical techniques.

Postoperative care

After a couple of hours of observation in clinic the patient is discharged home. Aside from avoiding physical strain, the surgery should not affect the patient's ability to lead a normal life. Analgesics are usually not necessary. Suture removal, in uncomplicated cases is after one week. It is important to realize that one day surgery does not mean, that one is wholly recovered in one day, but rather, it means that after one day, the patient can go home, and continue the recuperation process there. The daily telephone contact's purpose is to keep the clinic constantly updated on the patients condition allowing the clinic to take the appropriate action in case complications develop. Besides this, any other problems that might develop during recuperation may also be addressed over the phone.

Fees

Charge for examination and consultation: 10.000 HUF > Euro
Surgery performed under local anesthesia: 60.000 - 70.000 HUF > Euro

Appointments: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 8 pm.
Telephone: + (36 1) 266 7766