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

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.