Nail Surgery
Toenail surgery is a minor procedure performed in the clinic to address problematic toenails, particularly in cases of ingrown toenails causing pain and possible infection. When conservative management through regular podiatry visits is insufficient, nail surgery may be recommended. This procedure involves the complete or partial removal of the toenail.
During the surgery, local anaesthetic is administered to numb the affected toe or toes, ensuring a painless experience for the patient. The ingrown portion of the toenail, which is causing the issue, is carefully removed from the root. To prevent the recurrence of the problem, a chemical called phenol is applied to the exposed nail bed. This application of phenol effectively stops the toenail (or the section that was removed) from growing back, thus minimising the likelihood of further complications.
Toenail surgery is conducted with the aim of providing long-term relief and preventing future recurrence of ingrown toenails. It is a safe and effective solution for managing persistent and bothersome ingrown nails that cannot be resolved through conservative treatment methods. The procedure is performed in our clinic and takes approximately one hour.
Before proceeding with nail surgery, an initial assessment with your Podiatrist is necessary. During this appointment, the Podiatrist will conduct the following:
Determine if Nail Surgery is the Appropriate Treatment: The Podiatrist will carefully assess your condition to determine if nail surgery is the most suitable option for addressing your specific nail-related issue. They will consider factors such as the severity of the problem and the effectiveness of previous treatments.
Evaluate Medical History, Surgical History, and Medications: Your Podiatrist will review your medical history, surgical history, and current medications. This is done to ensure that you are eligible for the procedure and to identify any potential risks or contraindications.
Assess Vascular Status: The Podiatrist will evaluate your vascular status, which involves assessing the blood circulation to your feet and toes. This is important to ensure adequate blood flow during and after the surgery, as proper circulation is crucial for healing.
Discuss the Procedure and Post-Operative Care: Your Podiatrist will explain the details of the nail surgery procedure, including what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. They will also provide instructions for post-operative care to ensure proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.
The initial assessment serves as a comprehensive evaluation to determine the appropriateness of nail surgery, assess your eligibility, and provide you with the necessary information and guidance for the procedure and post-operative care.
FAQs
No, you can call or email directly for an appointment. You will need an initial surgery assessment before a date for the surgery can be given, allowing us to diagnose the problem and ensure that surgery is a viable option.
Nail surgery is indeed highly effective and offers several benefits, including:
High Success Rate: Nail surgery has been found to have a high success rate in resolving nail-related problems such as ingrown toenails, chronic infections, or deformities.
Immediate Pain Relief: One of the significant advantages of nail surgery is the immediate relief it provides from the pain and discomfort associated with conditions like ingrown toenails. By removing the offending portion of the nail, pressure on the surrounding tissues is alleviated, bringing quick relief.
Infection Removal: In cases where the area around the nail is infected, nail surgery plays a crucial role in eliminating the source of the infection. By removing the problematic nail, the infection can be effectively addressed, allowing the affected area to heal properly.
Outpatient Procedure: Nail surgery can be performed in a clinic, eliminating the need for hospital admission. This makes it a convenient and time-efficient option for patients, reducing the disruption to their daily routines.
It’s important to note that while nail surgery offers significant benefits, each case is unique, and outcomes may vary. A thorough assessment by a qualified podiatrist or foot specialist is crucial to determine the appropriateness of nail surgery for an individual’s specific condition and ensure the best possible results.
Eligibility for nail surgery is determined based on factors such as age, general health, and specific circumstances. Here are some considerations regarding who can benefit from nail surgery:
Age: Nail surgery can be performed on individuals of various age groups, including children, adults, and older adults. The decision to proceed with surgery will depend on the patient’s overall health and their ability to tolerate the procedure.
General Health: It is essential to assess a patient’s general health before recommending nail surgery. Patients with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems may require additional precautions or medical clearance before undergoing the procedure.
Pregnancy: Nail surgery is generally not advised for pregnant individuals due to the potential risks associated with anaesthesia and certain medications. It is best to postpone the surgery until after the pregnancy, unless there is an urgent medical need.
Allergies and Medications: Patients who have allergies to local anaesthetic or specific medications may not be suitable candidates for nail surgery. The Podiatrist will evaluate any potential allergies or medication interactions during the initial assessment to ensure patient safety.
Circulation: Poor circulation can impact the healing process after nail surgery. Patients with conditions that compromise blood flow to the extremities, such as peripheral arterial disease, may require alternative treatment options or further vascular assessment before nail surgery is considered.
A thorough assessment conducted by the Podiatrist prior to surgery will determine the patient’s eligibility for nail surgery. It will involve evaluating their age, general health, specific medical considerations, and potential contraindications to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate for the individual.
Other treatments which may be offered as an alternative to nail surgery:
Conservative management with regular visits to the podiatrist
Education on the correct footwear (poor footwear choice is frequently a cause of foot problems).
Insoles can also help relieve pressure on the affected area as well as other devices such as gel toe separators.
No treatment might be indicated. For example, if a toenail has been cut too short and it just needs time to grow out.
Advice on the correct nail cutting techniques.
Treatment of thickened fungal nails using a nail file or podiatry drill.
During a nail surgery appointment, the following steps typically take place:
Patient Preparation: The patient is comfortably seated, and the toe to be treated is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to ensure a sterile environment for the procedure.
Local Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic is administered to the toe to ensure the area becomes numb and the patient feels no pain during the surgery.
Tourniquet Application: Once the toe is completely numb, a tourniquet may be applied around the base of the toe. The tourniquet helps to restrict blood flow and minimize bleeding during the procedure.
Nail Removal: Using specialised instruments, the podiatrist carefully removes either the edge of the nail or the complete nail, depending on the specific condition being treated. The removal is done in a precise manner to alleviate the issue causing the patient discomfort or pain.
Phenol Application: After the nail has been removed, a substance called phenol is applied to the nail bed. Phenol helps to prevent regrowth of the nail, reducing the likelihood of recurring issues. The phenol application is performed to ensure long-term results.
Dressing Application: Once the phenol has been applied, the tourniquet is removed, and a sterile dressing is applied to the toe. The dressing helps protect the wound and promote proper healing.
Post-operative Instructions: The patient is provided with detailed instructions on how to care for the treated toe following the procedure. This may include guidance on keeping the toe clean, changing dressings, and managing any discomfort or swelling.
Follow-up Appointments: The patient is scheduled for a follow-up appointment to assess the wound’s healing progress and change the dressing as needed. These appointments allow the podiatrist to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any concerns or questions.
It’s important to note that the exact steps may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the podiatrist’s preferred technique. The podiatrist will provide personalised care and guidance throughout the entire nail surgery process to ensure optimal outcomes.