Modified Emmet's operation for ingrown nails using the Er:YAG laser

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Innovation
• Podiatry

Background:

• Ingrown toenails are a common condition often treated with surgical methods.
• Traditional surgical procedures like Emmet's operation can lead to significant postoperative pain, swelling, and bleeding.
• Tissue damage to the nail organ is a potential complication of conventional surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of Er:YAG laser surgery with the traditional Emmet's operation for ingrown toenails.
• To evaluate postoperative pain, swelling, wound healing time, and complication rates between the two procedures.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 138 patients (212 affected great toenails).
• One group underwent traditional Emmet's operation with digital nerve block.
• The other group received Er:YAG laser treatment for atraumatic nail plate removal.
• Pain, swelling, and side effects were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed.

Main Results:

• The Er:YAG laser group reported significantly lower pain and swelling scores on postoperative days 1 and 3 compared to the Emmet's operation group.
• Wound healing was faster with the laser procedure (12.9 days) versus traditional surgery (16.8 days).
• The laser treatment resulted in no observed infections or relapses, and fewer spicules compared to Emmet's operation.

Conclusions:

• Modified Emmet's operation utilizing the Er:YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment for ingrown toenails.
• Laser surgery demonstrates reduced postoperative pain and swelling, accelerated healing, and fewer complications.
• Er:YAG laser offers an improved alternative for managing ingrown toenails.