Ganglion cysts, benign soft tissue tumors commonly found near joints, present a management challenge, especially in the wrist. Surgical excision and steroid injection are the primary treatment options, but their comparative effectiveness is uncertain. A study at Saveetha Medical College Hospital in Chennai involved 54 patients with ganglion cysts, with Group A undergoing surgical excision and Group B receiving steroid injection after aspiration. The study revealed a higher success rate of 92.5% and lower recurrence rate of 7.5% in the surgical excision group compared to a success rate of 64.3% and recurrence rate of 35.7% in the injection group.
Ganglion cysts, filled with mucinous fluid, commonly affect the wrist joints. Their origin remains unclear, with theories suggesting herniation of synovial fluid into tendons or mucinous degeneration of connective tissue. Surgical excision offers definitive resolution, while steroid injection aims to alleviate symptoms with minimal invasiveness. The choice between these treatments is complex, considering factors like cyst size, location, and symptoms, leading to varied preferences among practitioners.
The study aimed to directly compare surgical excision and steroid injection for ganglion cysts. It included patients aged 14–19 years, predominantly females, with swelling and pain as common symptoms. Surgical excision demonstrated significantly better outcomes, attributing to complete cyst removal and addressing the structural attachment of the cyst. In contrast, steroid injection only offers temporary relief, potentially leading to cyst recurrence due to untreated pedicle.
Various studies have shown lower recurrence rates and higher success rates with surgical excision compared to steroid injection. Completeness of cyst removal and addressing the pedicle are crucial factors influencing outcomes. The study’s limitations include a small sample size and potential selection bias. Future research should focus on refining treatment protocols and exploring minimally invasive approaches for managing ganglion cysts to optimize patient outcomes.
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