Short-and long-term results of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and steroid injection in the treatment of ganglion cysts

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of percutaneous aspiration and steroid injection treatment for ganglion cysts and retrospectively evaluate the size change in ganglion cysts during follow-up.
 Material and Method: All patients who underwent percutaneous aspiration and steroid injection treatment for ganglion cysts between January 2019 and February 2020 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics and clinical signs and findings of the patients were obtained from electronic patient records. Treatment response was classified as “excellent,” “good,” and “poor” at one month and one year according to ultrasound measurement.
 Results: Ganglion cyst aspiration and steroid injection were successfully performed in 37 (86.0%) of 43 cases. A total of 28 cases with short- and long-term follow-ups were included in the final analysis. All the cases had cosmetic complaints before the treatment, and seven had pain and four had limited range of motion. Early treatment response was excellent in 7 (25.0%) patients, good in 14 (50.0%), and poor in 7 (50.0%). Late treatment response was excellent in 18 (64.3%) patients, good in 3 (10.7%), and poor in 7 (25.0%). After the procedure, mild pain lasting less than two days developed in the cyst area in half of the patients. Skin color change was observed in two cases in the first-month follow-up.
 Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and steroid injection with the right technique is an alternative cost-effective method to surgery that can be successfully applied in the treatment of ganglion cysts with low side effects and relatively good results.