Chances that the cyst may reform: Unpredictable. If most of the cyst wall has been removed and the cyst has been saucerised, the chances are small. Complications of surgery: This depends on the location of the cyst in relation to the spinal cord. If it lies in front of the spinal cord and the surgeon is operating from behind the cord (as is usually the case), the surgeon will need to move the spinal cord to one side to reach the cyst. This is not always tolerated by the spinal cord, howsoever delicately it can be done. This may result in worsening of weakness in muscles below the level of the spinal cord. Most times, however, such weakness is temporary. Conservative treatment of the cyst: I am not aware of any proven effective non-operative therapy for such cysts.