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Percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy effectively treats digital mucous cysts
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Percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy was an effective and safe treatment for patients with digital mucous cysts, according to recently published study results.
Researchers in Scotland performed percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy in 63 patients (40 women; median age, 65 years) with digital mucous cysts (DMCs). A sterile 30 G needle was used to puncture and extrude the DMC contents. A 1 mL insulin syringe was used to inject 3% polidocanol (0.02 mL to 0.5 mL) into the cyst to refill it to its previous size.
There was a 6-week review in which patients were offered a second treatment if needed, with a second review at 12 weeks.
DMCs are benign cystic swellings that typically occur in the digital distal interphalangeal joint or the proximal nail fold. The thumb (n=5), index (n=12), middle (n=25), ring (n=3) and little finger (n=4), and great toe (n=5), second toe (n=6) and third toe (n=2) were digits affected in the study.
Prior to treatment, the DMCs had been present for an average of 1.1 years. Cryotherapy, infrared coagulation, self-administered blunt trauma, orthopedic surgery and curettage and cautery were previous therapies on the cysts.
Forty-three patients (68.3%) experienced complete cyst resolution in 6 weeks, and 49 patients (77.8%) had complete resolution in 12 weeks.
Side effects were minor and included inflammation (46%), joint stiffness (15.9%), pain (12.7%) and ecchymosis (1.6%); all symptoms resolved by the 12-week review.
“Treatment of DMCs with percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy is well-tolerated, does not require the use of local anesthetic and is suitable for office-based practice,” the researchers concluded. “Good quality randomized-controlled trials are needed to compare treatments of DMC, given that the current evidence base mainly comprises small studies or case reports, and longer-term studies to assess recurrence rates.” – by Bruce Thiel
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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