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Can Gout Nodules Be Surgically Removed?

  • Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
    William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

    William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

    Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

Ask the experts

My husband has recently been diagnosed with gout, knots have formed over his joints. Are they ever surgically removed?

Doctor's response

Nodules from gout are called tophi. Depending on their size and location, tophi can become very irritating for a patient with gout. Yes, tophi can be removed surgically. If they are infected (which is not common, but does occur), they can require drainage and antibiotics.

For more information, please read our full medical article about gout.

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Reviewed on 1/11/2018
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