Will tophi grow again after surgical removal?

After surgical removal of tophi, they may still recur.

Tophi form primarily due to long-term hyperuricemia, which leads to the deposition of urate crystals in subcutaneous tissues. These deposits are further infiltrated by inflammatory cells and surrounded by fibrous tissue, forming hard nodules. When tophi cause joint dysfunction or deformity, surgical removal under the guidance of a specialist doctor may be necessary. However, surgery only removes existing urate deposits from the body; it does not reduce the body's production of uric acid. Therefore, the most important aspect of treatment remains pharmacological uric acid-lowering therapy. If patients do not receive proper uric acid-lowering medication under medical supervision, recurrence is still possible.

Hence, after surgery, patients must strictly follow their doctor’s instructions regarding medication. They should also adjust their diet appropriately, focusing on low-purine foods such as vegetables and fruits. Drinking plenty of water and engaging in regular physical exercise can help promote uric acid excretion and reduce the likelihood of tophi recurrence, thereby minimizing damage to overall health.