Patient Information - Orthopaedic Clinic
Ganglion cyst
This information is for patients who have received treatment at the Orthopaedic Clinic at Ahus.
A ganglion cyst is a small sac of fluid that form over a joint or tendon in the hand, foot or ankle. A ganglion cyst can be surgically removed if it causes long-term ailments.
Bandage
- Keep the bandage on for three days. After three days, change to a smaller dressing.
- Keep the bandage clean and dry. Change if it becomes damp, dirty or bled through.
- Always wash your hands before changing the dressing.
- Make sure you have new, clean wound dressings at home.
- Keep the incision site covered with a wound dressing until the stitches are removed.
Activity
You can reduce bleeding, pain and swelling by keeping the operated limb above heart height the first days after surgery.
Pain
For pain relief use prescription-free painkillers like Paracetamol, optionally, in combination with Ibuprofen. The treating physician can prescribe stronger painkillers when needed. Use as prescribed.
Sutures
Your incision site has sutures that should be removed by your registered physician 14 days after the surgery. We recommend you cover the incision site from direct sun light the following 6 months to reduce scarring.
Infection
There is always a risk of infection after surgery. Pay attention to the following symptoms and contact your physician or the emergency clinic if suspecting an infection.
The symptoms of infection are:
- Increased pain and soreness around the wound.
- Redness, heat and/or swelling around the wound.
- Throbbing pain occurring after the first few days.
- Yellow, green or grey discharge from the wound.
- Fever or reduced general condition.
Contact your registered physician or your local emergency clinic (phone number 116117), if you suspect an infection.Ganglion is a sometimes tender and fluid-filled lump that extends from a joint or tendon sheath in the hand, foot or ankle.