Nail surgery

Nail surgery is not particularly difficult but often delicate. Profound knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the nail organ as well as surgical skills and atraumatic instruments are prerequisites for successful nail operations. Careful preoperative preparation of the patient as well as consistent post-operative care are necessary. The following article will give information about the essentials of nail surgery, such as adequate anaesthesia, instrumentation, and complications. The most frequently performed nail operations are described focussing on techniques proven to be safe and successful. Nail avulsions, ingrowing nail, myxoid pseudocysts and subungual exostoses as well as the treatment of haematomas and nail tumours are outlined. Ungual melanomas are the most frequent malignant tumours of the nail apparatus and deserve special attention. Some indications for cryosurgery, laser and electro-surgery are given.