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Foot Cyst Surgery Complications

A cyst, also sometimes referred to as a ganglion mass, is a sac that contains tissue that is also lined by a type of tissue called epithelium. Cysts often contain a semi-fluid or a fluid and they can develop on many areas of the foot. According to Premier Podiatry, foot cysts can sometimes develop for no reason, but trauma to the foot can also lead to the development of a foot cyst. Patients having surgery for their foot cysts should be aware that foot cyst surgery complications can occur. To prevent foot cysts from recurring, excising them surgically is generally the best option.

  1. Recurrence

    • According to Surgery.com, ganglion foot cysts may reoccur after they have been excised in approximately five percent to15 percent of patients. This typically occurs when the cyst was not removed completely. If the cyst has roots, these two must be completely removed for the cyst to be completely gone.

    Infection

    • According to the Fox Mill Foot and Ankle Center, some patients may develop an infection as a complication of foot cyst surgery. If an infection occurs, it generally affects the top layer of skin where incisions were made. According to Healthsquare, the signs of an infection may include swelling, redness, pus, red streaks or a foul odor leading from the stitches. In most cases when the infection is treated promptly, no other complications develop.

    Excessive Swelling

    • According to the Fox Mill Foot and Ankle Center, some patients may experience excessive swelling after having a foot cyst removed. This complication of foot cyst surgery can be particularly bothersome for some patients and it may require further treatment. Patients who experience this complication can often help to alleviate it by icing it several times a day at 15-minute intervals and by keeping it wrapped.

    Nerve Damage

    • According to the Fox Mill Foot and Ankle Center, nerve damage is a potential foot cyst surgery complication. This complication is rare and most often affects patients whose, such as chronic pain, and numbness and tingling of the affected foot.

    Side Effects

    • Patients who have had foot cyst removal surgery may experience swelling, pain, tingling or numbness after the surgery, according to Mount Nittany Medical Center. These side effects of foot cyst surgery can last for several weeks. These side effects tend to decrease over time and after a few days they should not greatly interfere with the patient's ability to walk.

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