The outcome of minimally invasive surgery for digital mucous cyst: a 2-year follow-up of percutaneous capsulotomy

Abstract

Background

Digital mucous cyst(DMC) is the most common tumor or cyst of the hand. Although many operative methods have been proposed to treat DMCs and lower the recurrence rate, many patients hesitate to have surgery. A minimally invasive treatment using percutaneous capsulotomy for the DMCs could be an alternative choice. However, the clinical results of using this method are still uncertain.

Objectives

Here, we introduce the percutaneous capsulotomy method and assess the clinical outcomes and the associated complications of this method.

Methods

A total of 42 digits were finally included. All patients accepted percutaneous capsulotomy under a digital ring block. Functional and radiographic assessments were made pre- and postoperatively, with a mean of 28.8 months (range, 24–33 months) of follow-up.

Results

The mean duration of the appearance of DMCs before treatment was 11.6 months. Of the 19 digits with nail deformity, 14 showed an improved nail appearance. There were no skin complications. The average visual analogue scale (VAS) satisfaction score was 9.4, only two cases had experienced recurrence at the final follow up.

Conclusions

This study reported that percutaneous capsulotomy could be an effective method for DMCs treatment. The recurrence rate was low and patient satisfaction was good. Nail deformities could be improved with treatment.

Keywords:

• Percutaneous
• capsulotomy
• digital mucous cyst
• ganglion
• nail deformity

Acknowledgements

The authors thank our colleagues and research assistants who provided expertise that greatly assisted the research. We also show our gratitude to the reviewers for your insights and suggestions.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare that: (i) no support, financial or otherwise, has been received from any organization that may have an interest in the submitted work and (ii) there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported, in part, by grants from the Taipei Veterans General Hospital [106-2314-B-075-060], and the Ministry of Science and Technology [MOST105-2314-B-075 -049]. The funding institutions had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.