Partial excision of matrix and phenolic ablation for the treatment of ingrowing toenail: a 36-month follow-up of 197 treated patients.
BACKGROUND
Several options for the treatment of ingrowing toenails are available, ranging from simple conservative approaches to extensive surgical procedures.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate in a long-term follow-up (36 months) the efficacy of chemical matricectomy with phenol for the treatment of ingrowing toenails.


METHODS
A total of 197 phenol ablations were performed in 139 patients with stage 2 and 3 disease. Each patient was examined weekly until full wound healing was achieved and was followed for 36 months to assess the long-term efficacy of the treatment. The healing period after surgery ranged from 2 to 4 weeks; few postoperative complications were seen.


RESULTS
Only three recurrences were observed (after 2, 4, and 11 months). Short-term results were excellent. No severe complications occurred during the 36-month follow-up period. Cosmetic results were remarkable. The success rate was 98.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
Phenol cauterization is an excellent surgical method for the treatment of ingrowing toenails, being simple and associated with low morbidity and a high success rate, even over the long term (36 months).
Vaccari
Sabina
S
Internal Medicine, Aging and Nephrologic Disease Department, Dermatology Division, Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Dika
Emi
E
Balestri
Riccardo
R
Rech
Giulia
G
Piraccini
Bianca Maria
BM
Fanti
Pier Alessandro
PA
D000287:Administration, Topical; D002424:Caustics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002425:Cautery / Q000379:methods*; D003475:Curettage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009263:Nails, Ingrown / Q000601:surgery*; D019800:Phenol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014034:Toes / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002424:Caustics; D019800:Phenol