What is Ganglion Cyst Removal?
Ganglion cyst removal involves surgically excising a cyst that has developed near a joint or tendon. These cysts, though benign, can cause pain, restrict movement, or press on surrounding nerves, depending on their size and location.
The surgeon makes a small incision over the cyst and carefully removes it along with its root, the stalk connecting the cyst to the underlying joint or tendon sheath. Removing the root reduces the likelihood of the cyst returning. The procedure typically takes 20 to 45 minutes and is performed as a day case, meaning you can go home the same day. If aspiration (draining the cyst with a needle) has been tried and the cyst has returned, surgical excision offers a more definitive solution.
The procedure is usually performed under local or general anaesthesia and involves a small incision to remove the cyst along with its root to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Who should have a ganglion cyst removal?
Ganglion cyst removal may be appropriate if you:
- Have a ganglion cyst that is causing persistent pain or discomfort
- Have a cyst that is pressing on a nerve, causing tingling, numbness or weakness
- Have a cyst that is restricting movement in your wrist, hand or foot
- Have had the cyst aspirated (drained), but it has returned
- Have a cyst that is growing or causing you concern
Small, painless cysts that are not affecting function can often be monitored without treatment. Your consultant will advise on the best course of action during your initial appointment.
Surgeons who perform ganglion cyst removal in London
How Much Does Private Ganglion Cyst Removal Cost?
from £2,300*
The cost of private Ganglion Cyst Removal starts from £2,300* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ganglion Cyst Removal
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our hospital ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
The procedure itself is painless as it is performed under local or general anaesthesia. Some mild discomfort or swelling may occur post-operatively, but this usually resolves within a few days.
Ganglion cyst removal typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cyst.
Recovery is generally quick, with most patients resuming light activities within a week. Full healing may take two to four weeks, depending on the location of the cyst and the nature of your work or activities.
Immediate Post-Op Care
Managing post-operative effects such as swelling, bruising, and discomfort is crucial. It is important to keep the surgical site clean to prevent infection. Our team will provide you with pain management strategies and detailed care instructions. Keeping the nerves stimulated by applying lotion to the skin after surgery can encourage the healing process and mitigate potential stiffness and pain. Physical therapy may be recommended to help regain strength and flexibility in the affected area.
Follow-Up Care and Physical Therapy
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and assess the success of the surgery. The surgery is a minor procedure, typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home soon after and generally experience a good recovery without serious complications. These visits are essential to address any concerns and ensure optimal recovery.
While surgery significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence, ganglion cysts can sometimes reappear. Your surgeon will carefully remove the cyst and its root to minimise this risk.
Key benefits of ganglion cyst removal include:
- Pain Relief: Significant reduction or elimination of pain caused by the cyst pressing on nerves or joints.
- Improved Function: Enhanced movement and function of the affected joint.
- Recurrence Prevention: Lower likelihood of the cyst returning compared to non-surgical methods.