2024/07/13 by Gbobo, Isesioma, Diamond, Tamunokuro E
#Ganglion #mucinous cysts #painless cysts #pediatric ganglion #wrists swelling
paper · doi:10.60787/tnhj.v22i1.571
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 pediatric population, recurrence rate tend to be higher when compared to adults following surgical excision. Aim and Objectives: To determine clinical presentation, treatment methods and treatment outcomes of ganglion cysts among children attending the pediatric surgical clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Methods: All children aged 0 to18years with ganglion cysts who presented to the pediatric 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. Results: Twenty-six Pediatric ganglia were analyzed. A total of 532 pediatric 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: Pediatric ganglion cysts can be safely treated with surgical excision. Complications rates are low after 12 months of follow-up. Data from this study can be useful in developing treatment guidelines.