Is anesthesia required for aspiration of a ganglion cyst?

In general, whether anesthesia is needed for aspiration of a ganglion cyst depends on specific factors such as the location of the cyst and the patient's pain tolerance. If there are related concerns, it is recommended to discuss them with the doctor in advance. The detailed analysis is as follows:

When the cyst is superficial, small in size, and the patient has a high pain tolerance, anesthesia may not be necessary. The aspiration procedure is quick, and the needle only passes through the skin and subcutaneous tissue, causing minimal discomfort that most people can tolerate without additional anesthesia.

When the cyst is located deeply, near rich networks of nerves and blood vessels, or when the patient is highly sensitive to pain, anesthesia is recommended. Deeper cysts require penetration through more tissue layers and may involve sensitive nerves. Anesthesia effectively reduces pain during the procedure, prevents involuntary movements caused by discomfort, and ensures smooth completion of the aspiration.

Prior to aspiration, the nature of the cyst should be clearly confirmed, ruling out abnormalities such as infection or tumors. The procedure must be performed under sterile conditions to prevent postoperative infections. After aspiration, pressure should be applied to the puncture site for a short period to minimize bleeding and reduce the risk of fluid reaccumulation. If symptoms such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or fever occur after the procedure, medical attention should be sought promptly.