Open treatment with drainage for ingrowing toenail

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatology
• Podiatry

Background:

• Ingrowing toenail is a common condition requiring treatment.
• Standard labiomatricectomy, a radical treatment, can lead to postoperative complications like hematoma or infection due to suturing.
• There is a need for improved surgical techniques to minimize these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a modified labiomatricectomy with an added drainage procedure for treating ingrowing toenails.
• To assess the complication and recurrence rates of this modified technique in an outpatient setting.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study observing 98 patients undergoing the modified labiomatricectomy with drainage over six months.
• The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis.
• Patients were monitored for postoperative complications and recurrence.

Main Results:

• The modified procedure resulted in an uneventful recovery for the majority of patients (95/98).
• Three patients who received prior steroid therapy experienced postoperative suppuration.
• Recurrence was observed in three patients with onychogryphosis, suggesting this condition may need alternative treatments.
• Early technical errors led to complications such as inclusion cysts and nail spikes, which were resolved with technique refinement.

Conclusions:

• The addition of a drainage procedure to standard labiomatricectomy significantly reduces postoperative complications for ingrowing toenails.
• This modified technique is safe and effective for outpatient treatment.
• Onychogryphosis may be a contraindication or require specialized management.
• Careful surgical technique is crucial to avoid complications.