Hygroma removal

Currently, only removal of the hygroma is the most effective method of treatment, giving a minimum of relapses.

A benign type, a round tumor similar to a cyst, is a hygroma (ganglion). The size of the immobile formation varies from a small pea to a ball with a diameter of over 10 cm. The favorite place for the localization of the neoplasm is the back of the hand, but it is also found on the palm and fingers. Hygromas are also diagnosed on the foot, wrist and wrist, in the neck area.

People live with small hygromas all their lives, since, apart from aesthetic dissatisfaction, the neoplasms do not cause any discomfort. Tumor growth entails a number of problems – compression of nerve-blood bundles and tendons, disruption of normal joint functioning, severe pain syndrome. The presence of unpleasant symptoms makes the question of treatment methods open. Conservative therapy, even in combination with traditional medicine, unfortunately, does not lead to the expected result, especially in advanced cases.

Carrying out a puncture (a small puncture that allows the contents of the tumor to be removed) helps only temporarily, until the released capsule is filled again. Previously, the method of crushing the hygroma was practiced, spreading the tumor fluid through the tissues. Such manipulation at least led to the renewal of one or several hygromas, and at most - threatened an inflammatory process.

Most doctors agree that ganglion removal is the only radical way to get rid of the tumor. Indications for surgical intervention will be rapid tumor growth, pain syndrome, joint immobility, loss of sensitivity.

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Hygroma removal surgery

To establish an accurate diagnosis or to study the neoplasm in detail, additional examination is prescribed. The patient undergoes a series of tests, often a puncture is taken from the tumor itself to examine the liquid contents. Puncture is a way to differentiate hygroma from other tumor formations - lipoma (pathology of adipose tissue) and atheroma (a benign tumor of the sebaceous glands).

If a joint hygroma is suspected, it is recommended to undergo an X-ray to exclude bone and joint pathology. Ultrasound allows for a structural assessment of the ganglion, identifying blood vessels in the capsular wall. MRI provides a conclusion on the presence of nodal structures, the structure of the capsule walls and the nature of the liquid contents. Each of the described methods helps a specialist prescribe the correct conservative treatment or refer the patient to surgery.

Currently, the operation to remove hygroma is performed in three ways:

• excision - the doctor cuts out the ganglion completely along with the capsule;
• heating with a laser beam – continues until the hygroma is completely destroyed without affecting healthy cells;
• endoscopically – through a small incision using special equipment.

Surgical intervention should be followed by mandatory immobilization of the joint with a rigid bandage to prevent relapses, and drug therapy is also recommended. In some cases, a plaster splint is indicated for up to 3-5 weeks, preventing joint movement.

The operation to remove the hygroma lasts up to half an hour. After the capsule is excised, the cavity is washed with an aseptic solution and sutured; if necessary, drainage is placed in the wound for up to 2 days.

Laser removal of hygroma

Modern medicine offers tumor removal using laser therapy and endoscopy. These methods are virtually bloodless, are characterized by the speed of manipulation, neat postoperative suture and a minimal rehabilitation period.

Removal of a hygroma with a laser is essentially the same operation with an incision and exposure of the tumor. The result of the treatment, as in the case of surgical intervention, will depend on the experience and qualifications of the operating doctor.

Before starting laser treatment, you should undergo additional diagnostics - X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. These methods of examination will help the surgeon determine the appropriateness of using a laser, as well as the effectiveness of the effect.

Most often, a carbon dioxide laser device with coagulating and disinfecting properties is used. The temperature of the high-energy beam is 800 degrees. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. After cutting the skin over the tumor, the surgeon affects the capsule with heat, which ensures the removal of the hygroma. The procedure is completed by treating the cavity with stitches from the inside and outside, using an immobilizing plaster or brace bandage.

Laser removal of the formation, in addition to obvious advantages - the duration of burning is no more than 15 minutes, the possibility of operating on children over seven years old - also has its drawbacks. The main disadvantage of modern technology is the high probability of relapse, which is explained by the fact that the mouth of the capsule is not sutured, as with conventional excision with a scalpel.

Technique for removing hygroma

A painstaking operation to excise the ganglion requires high qualifications and skill from the surgeon. This is partly due to the location of the tumor, where one wrong move provokes irreparable complications. The location of the hygroma in the forearm area, namely: the palmar surface of the wrist joint projection, is considered the most traumatic due to its proximity to the radial artery. Insufficient accuracy of the doctor can damage the artery. On the other hand, if the surgeon leaves at least a small part of the tumor capsule, the integrity of the hygroma is restored over time and the formation is refilled with fluid.

Removal of a hygroma is not always justifiably performed under local anesthesia, since deeper tissues retain sensitivity. Adequate excision of the ganglion is possible only under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, when the solution is delivered directly to the nerve bundles, turning off the pain sensations of the entire limb/area.

Sequence and technique of hygroma removal:

• a minimal incision is made over the tumor, the size of which depends on the size of the formation itself;
• the internal fluid is evacuated (sometimes the neoplasm is cut out along with its contents);
• the tissues surrounding the ganglion are carefully separated and the tumor is excised. Particular attention is paid to the base of the hygroma so as not to leave pathological cells that provoke re-growth of the formation;
• cavity treatment and suturing;
• suturing and fixation with an orthosis.

In the postoperative period, dressings are applied with wound treatment. Sutures are removed after 7-14 days. Some cases require complete immobility of the foot or hand for a week in order to exclude the possibility of relapse.

Removal of hygroma of the hand

Tumor formation on the hand is classified as an occupational disease associated with frequent repetitive hand movements in athletes, musicians, programmers, secretaries, etc.

The hand hygroma is localized in the area of the metacarpophalangeal or wrist joint, in the area of the flexor muscles on the fingers. If the neoplasm, in addition to external hostility, causes pain syndrome and impairs the mobility of the limb, then it is worth resorting to surgical intervention. A mobile subcutaneous ball is treated by complete excision, laser beam or endoscopically.

Surgical removal of a hygroma of the hand is the most common procedure, allowing to cut out the entire pathological focus as much as possible and prevent re-growth of the neoplasm. There is also conservative treatment of hygroma, in which the tumor capsule is opened, the synovial fluid is evacuated, and the freed space is filled with drugs.

Removal of hygroma of the hand using laser and endoscopic equipment are less traumatic methods that guarantee a quick recovery period.

After the operation is performed by any method, a fixing bandage (orthosis) is applied to the hand for up to 7-14 days.

Removal of hygroma of the wrist joint

A synovial tumor of the wrist under the palm often exists for several years without causing any trouble to its owner. An increase in the tumor, pain, numbness of the fingers on the hand with a pronounced tingling indicate the need for surgical intervention.

A hygroma of the wrist joint is often adjacent to the radial artery, which requires the surgeon to be especially precise when excising it, otherwise the blood circulation process can be disrupted.

Removal of a wrist hygroma is performed under local or general anesthesia. Some doctors recommend general anesthesia, since deep tissues are affected during the operation for complete excision of the capsular parts. Before surgery, additional diagnostics (ultrasound, MRI) should be performed, as well as a number of tests (often, this is a puncture from the hygroma itself).

Removal of hygroma has several important stages:

• separation of the tumor from healthy tissue;
• ganglion excision;
• careful suturing of the cavity to prevent fluid leakage from the joint;
• suturing the wound from the outside;
• fixing the limb with a special orthosis or pressure bandage.

Removal of wrist ganglion

A wrist hygroma forms on the outer surface of the wrist joint. The growth of the neoplasm entails unpleasant consequences in the form of: aching pain, limited motor activity of the hand, inability to lift weights, rapid muscle fatigue, etc.

The listed symptoms are a reason for conducting an examination, including a visual examination with palpation, radiography and histological examination. X-ray allows differentiating hygroma from lipoma and other tumor formations. These diagnostic methods are very important before the final referral for removal of wrist hygroma, as they form a complete picture of the disease and give an idea of the features of the internal structure of the hygroma.

On the wrist, removal is performed by excision or laser cauterization. In both methods, it is important to remove all parts of the capsule to prevent the cavity from being filled with synovial fluid again. Much also depends on the skills of the operating surgeon, who must suture the outlet. The patient is required to follow a gentle regimen, and in some cases, to ensure complete immobility of the hand.

Removal of hygroma on the leg

On the legs, the favorite places for hygromas to be localized are the foot (including the toes), the knee or thigh area. Moreover, the tumor can be located both near the joint and the tendon. The greatest discomfort is caused by the growing popliteal ganglia, which prevent free movement. Constant friction of the tumor causes painful sensations. You can try to get rid of the hygroma with various ointments, lotions or injections, but a real result can only be achieved through surgery.

Removal of a ganglion cyst on the leg that has formed on the tendon is also the most effective method. A small tendon ganglion does not pose any danger and has no symptoms. An increase in the tumor formation causes pressure on the tendon, as a result of which the patient's gait becomes awkward and causes considerable suffering. The neglected process of growth of the tendon cyst, in addition to severe pain, threatens the impossibility of movement.

A reliable method of treating hygroma on the leg is considered to be surgery or laser cauterization. The methods provide a minimum number of relapses by completely destroying the capsule with liquid contents.

Removal of foot hygroma

A large hygroma on the foot prevents one from living a full life, causing aesthetic dissatisfaction and severe pain. Patients with foot tumors sometimes cannot wear shoes due to discomfort and possible injury to the neoplasm. Involuntary opening of the ganglion capsule is fraught with inflammation and subsequent suppuration, which complicates therapy many times over. For this reason, timely removal of the foot hygroma is required by surgery, using laser exposure or endoscopic equipment.

The doctor selects the treatment tactics based on the symptoms, the size of the neoplasm, additional examination (ultrasound, X-ray, MRI), and histological examination data. Removing a foot hygroma is a delicate, painstaking job that only an experienced surgeon can do. Do not agree to surgery without an X-ray and tests. Minimal collection of information about the internal structure of the tumor (the presence of blood vessels, nodular forms, etc.) will allow the doctor to act as accurately and confidently as possible.

Removal of hygroma in a child

Fortunately, hygromas rarely appear in childhood. The tumor is often formed during intrauterine development with excessive fetal activity or, conversely, lack thereof. The provocateurs of tumor formation near the ankle joint are often loads or injuries received in sports sections and dance studios.

Any treatment begins with an examination by an orthopedic surgeon, taking tests and conducting the necessary examinations (X-ray, ultrasound). The doctor selects the optimal solution to the problem by conservative or surgical means.

A referral for the removal of a hygroma in a child is issued in the following cases:

• rapid growth of neoplasm;
• pain syndrome of a nagging, constant nature, not only during movement, but also at rest;
• limited mobility, tingling sensation, numbness of the limb;
• inability to lead a normal life (the child does not want to put on shoes, etc.);
• lack of positive results from conservative therapy.

For children under 10 years of age, the operation is performed under general anesthesia, for children over 10 years of age - according to individual indications, under local or general anesthesia. The sequence of the operation is the same as for adults. After the manipulation is completed, a tight bandage, orthosis, and elastic splint are applied to limit the mobility of the limb for up to 14 days.

Removal of hygroma in a child by means of an endoscope and laser are considered more gentle methods. The advantages of the treatment are minimal trauma (surrounding tissues are not damaged), a small incision and a short recovery period.

Complications after removal of hygroma

Postoperative problems include swelling, suppuration, and fluid discharge from the healing wound. All of this indicates poor treatment of the cavity after excision of the hygroma capsule, failure to comply with the dressing regimen, and failure to follow the doctor's recommendations to ensure rest for the limb during the specified period.

The most common complications after hygroma removal are restoration of the integrity of the ganglion cavity and its refilling with synovial fluid. Relapse is possible in the following cases:

• incomplete isolation of the capsular bag (after the operation a small fragment or cell remains);
• failure to perform suturing of the cavity from the inside;
• absence of a fixing bandage (plaster cast, orthosis, etc.).

Removal of a benign tumor by an unqualified, inexperienced surgeon may result in damage to the nerve-blood bundles, loss of sensitivity and even mobility of the limb. Therefore, it is important to undergo X-rays and ultrasound examinations before the start of the surgical intervention.

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Rehabilitation after removal of hygroma

After surgical treatment, which takes about half an hour, the patient leaves the medical facility on the same day. Laser cauterization of the hygroma lasts up to 20 minutes. The following days, the patient comes daily for dressing and wound treatment. The stitches are removed (if they are not self-absorbing) after 7-14 days, depending on the characteristics of the healing process.

Rehabilitation after removal of a hygroma includes: wearing an immobilizing plaster splint, orthosis or popular brace bandage, the purpose of which is to fix the limb for faster scarring and minimize cases of recurrence of hygroma.

The time it takes for a patient to return to their normal lifestyle is individual in each specific case and depends on the complexity of the operation, the location of the tumor, and compliance with all recommendations of the attending physician.

Price of hygroma removal

The price list for medical services in Kyiv varies depending on whether the institution belongs to a state or private structure. Why do most patients, despite the inflated pricing policy, choose private clinics? The answer lies in the absence of queues and greater responsiveness of medical personnel.

The cost of removing a hygroma consists of the following sum:

• primary consultation with a surgeon. Approximately 150-600 UAH. The price range depends not only on the status of the institution, but also on who you want to be examined by - a regular surgeon or a professor;
• tumor images (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) as prescribed - from 200 UAH per area. The cost of a tomogram can reach 800 UAH;
• necessary tests (blood, histology of ganglion contents, etc.) – approximately 1000-1500 UAH;
• excision of the hygroma itself - around 2500 UAH;
• anesthesia, installation of IVs, injections, materials for sutures, medications, etc. – about 3000 UAH;
• post-operative manipulations (dressing, wound treatment) – from 100 UAH.

In total, the amount required to remove a hygroma can reach 7,000 UAH. Although everything depends on the clinic, the method of excision and the complexity of the case itself.