title: Effectiveness and Safety of Surgical Excision in the Treatment of Digital Mucoid Cysts.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Digital mucoid cysts have a tendency for recurrence after operative intervention. Several procedures are in use.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Retrospective evaluation for effectiveness, safety and patient satisfaction by using a questionnaire after treatment for digital mucoid cysts with targeted surgical excision and closure by flap-design.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients treated with surgical excision for digital mucoid cysts at the Dermatology Department of the Ludwigshafen City Hospital between 2007 and 2011 were evaluated using a specially designed questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We evaluated 31 patients. The patient group consisted of 65% women, the median age was 61 years. Seventy-eight percent of patients with nail involvement had a marked improvement or complete resolution of this complaint after surgery. A few complications (e.g., redness, pain or hematoma) were observed after treatment, but no patients required oral antibiotics. Patient evaluation of cosmetic outcome revealed high satisfaction with the procedure, nevertheless recurrence of the digital mucoid cysts was observed in 22.5% of all cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical excision in treatment of digital mucoid cysts was shown to be effective and safe. However, possible advantages and disadvantages of this treatment option should be discussed with the patients before a decision on the kind of therapy is reached.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany; †Department of Dermatology, Ludwigshafen City Hospital, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
authors.forename: Galina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Balakirski
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Loeser
authors.forename: Jens M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Baron
authors.forename: Edgar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dippel
authors.forename: Laurenz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schmitt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013581:Synovial Cyst / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult