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Ganglion Cyst

What is a ganglion cyst?

Your child has been diagnosed with a ganglion cyst, a common, benign cyst of childhood.  It most commonly appears on the wrist and rarely on the foot.  

Who gets a ganglion cyst?

This type of cyst forms on its own and there is nothing you could have done to prevent it from happening

How is a ganglion cyst diagnosed?

The information you give the doctor plus the doctor’s examination of the cyst are all that is needed to diagnose the problem. 

How is the decision made that surgery is needed?

Having an operation to remove the cyst is necessary to relieve pain from the cyst, restore full movement to the wrist, or prevent infection.  The operation is performed in Day Surgery and your child will be able to go home several hours after the procedure. 

What can I expect from surgery? 

  • Care of the incision: Your child will have a small incision where the cyst was located.  The stitches are under the dressing and will be removed in 7-10 days.  A little redness along the incision is normal for several weeks.  A soft splint will be on the wrist to keep it immobile as the area heals. Leave the splint on at all times unless told to remove it for wrist movement. Keep the area clean and dry.  
  • Bathing: Sponge bathe the child for the first 3 days after the operation, then s/he may have a regular bath.  Cover the wrist and splint with a plastic bag while bathing. 
  • Diet: Your child may drink clear liquids when s/he is fully awake.  Go slow and call the doctor if you notice your child having any difficulty with swallowing.  If your child can take liquids without a problem, s/he may begin eating soft foods about 8 hours after you get home.  Avoid greasy and spicy foods for a couple of days.
  • Activity: The child’s activity should be limited to quiet, indoor play for the first day after the operation.  Avoid any activity that could cause the incision to get hit.  If the child is on narcotic pain medicine, do not allow him/her to play on riding toys, playground equipment, or climb stairs.  Full activity may be resumed after the stitches and splint are removed.

When should I call the surgery team?

You will be given an appointment for a follow-up visit with the surgeon about 7-10 days after the operation.  If your child experiences any of the following problems, please call the appropriate resource:

    Call 9-1-1 if your child is choking or cannot breathe.

    Call the pediatric surgeon if you notice any of the following:

  • Increased redness and swelling around the incision
  • Increased pain in the wrist or hand
  • Numbness or tingling in the hand
  • Drainage or bleeding from the incision
  • Fever of 101.5 F degrees or higher 
  • Rash
  • Vomiting (especially with medication)

When can my child return to school or daycare?

School and P.E. attendance are related to the child’s age at the time of the operation, and should be discussed with the surgeon before leaving the hospital.

 

Please reproduce and distribute this sheet to your surgery families. This teaching sheet can also be downloaded at www.APSNA.org.

Copyright 2006, M. Elizabeth Foster. Copied with permission by Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, MA.

Patient Educational Materials