Ganglion cysts that form along the tendons and joints in the ankle and foot sometimes must be removed by surgery if the cyst does not shrink on its own or draining the cyst is not successful. During a cyst removal, the cyst is cut from the tendon or joint and taken out. Usually, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. Recovery time and post-surgery treatment vary based on the size and location of the cyst. Nerve, blood vessel, and/ or tendon damage can occur as a result of the surgery, but this is not common. Some cysts recur.