A multicentre, randomised, parallel-group superiority trial
Wrist ganglions are the most common soft-tissue tumours of the hand and the most frequently excised. Despite high surgical volumes, no randomised trial has compared operative treatment with non-operative care using patient-reported outcomes as the primary endpoint.
Prior studies focused almost exclusively on ganglion recurrence — not on pain, disability, or patient satisfaction. This trial addresses that evidence gap directly, with the PRWHE pain subscale at 6 months as the primary outcome.
Patients referred to a participating hand surgery outpatient clinic with a wrist ganglion diagnosis. If both wrists are symptomatic, the more symptomatic wrist is enrolled.
Every assessment point and its measured variables — tap any variable for its definition, scale, and role in the protocol.
Stratified 1:1 allocation (ganglion location, country).
Hand use as tolerated · self-implemented exercise therapy from day one
Resection within 2 months · same exercise therapy postoperatively
Non-operative group: crossover to surgery offered if symptoms persist.
Standard Operating Procedures and the full trial protocol govern all study activities.
GangLion resection effectiveness trial · NCT07162415
For general enquiries about the GangLion trial, please contact the coordinating principal investigator.
For site-specific questions, see the trial team for each centre’s principal investigator.