ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of surgical excision vs aspiration combined with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection in the treatment of dorsal wrist ganglion (DWG).

Methods: A total of 60 patients with diagnosis of DWG from January-2020 to December-2020 from Islam Teaching Hospital Sialkot were recruited for this comparative study. Two groups of patients were formed based on the kind of therapy they received. Aspiration and Triamcinolone acetate (triamcinolone acetate) injections were used in Group A. Treatment in Group B was comprised of aspiration followed by surgical excision. Follow-up was done at one, three, six, and twelve months after therapy ended. The absence of the cyst on the patient's last visit was considered proof of a successful therapy. Treatment was deemed ineffective if recurrence occurred.

Results: Among 60 patients, 37 (61.7%) were female and 23 (38.3%) were males. The most common presenting symptom was swelling found in 60 (100%) patients, followed by pain/discomfort in 48 (80%) patients. Recurrence occurred in 5 (16.7%) patients in group B and in 4 (13.3%) patients in group A. The 1-year success rate was 86.7% in group A and 83.3% in group B (p-value 0.71).

Conclusion: Aspiration followed by triamcinolone acetone injection is a good alternative to surgical excision in DWG patients.