title: Rapid atraumatic nail plate removal using the cordless cautery unit.
abstract: This article describes the use of a handy, battery-powered, thermocautery unit to cut through the nail plate when performing dermatologic surgery involving nail tissue. Thermocauterization of keratin is a simple, atraumatic method of removing portions of the nail plate, so that the underlying soft tissue may be biopsied or treated. The units are inexpensive and safe to operate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Mohs Surgery Clinic, Madison 53705.
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Snow
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zweibel
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009262:Nails / Q000601:surgery*