5-Year retrospective analysis of ganglion cysts in children at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Ganglion cysts are swellings with mucinous contents that usually arise from underlying joint capsules or tendon sheaths. They are the most  common soft tissue masses of the hand. In the paediatric population, recurrence rate tend to be higher when compared to adults following surgical  excision. This study is to determine clinical presentation, treatment methods and treatment outcomes of ganglion cysts among children attending the  paediatric surgical clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Method: All children aged 0 to18 years with ganglion cysts who presented to the paediatric surgical clinic from January 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively studied. Associations between the demographic characteristics  and treatment outcomes were also analyzed with Chi-square and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. P < 0.05 was termed statistically significant.

Result:  Twenty-six Paediatric ganglia were analyzed. A total of 532 paediatric consultations were made within the same period giving a prevalence rate of 4.8%.  Upper limb ganglion constitute 77% of all ganglion seen within the study period with the dorsal wrist (38.5%, n=10) being the most common site of  occurrence. The most common presenting symptom and the most common treatment modality were painless swelling (69.2% n=18) and surgical  excisions (84.6%, n=22) respectively. Recurrence rate was low (3.8%, n/N=1/26).

Conclusion: Paediatric ganglion cysts can be safely treated with surgical  excision. Complication rates are low after 12 months of follow-up. Data from this study can be useful in developing treatment guidelines.