Background: There are various surgical treatments on ingrown toenails. However, the treatment without matricectomy, damaging the nail and not operating on the nail bed could be better.
Objective: To present a new treatment for ingrown toenail that completely preserve the nail and nail matrix.
Methods: 52 surgical procedures were performed on 47patients with ingrown toenail who applied to Dermatology Department from May 14th, 2021 to March 12th, 2023 were enrolled. A certain volume of soft tissue surrounding the lesion was ablated under local anesthesia.
Results: 52 surgical procedures were performed on 47patients. All lesions' results were excellent except 3 with relapse (the cure rate is 94.23%). These cases healed after retreatment. During the minimum of 1 year follow-up, the cosmetic effect was remarkable with normal appearance and function. The mean operative time was 9.83 ± 2.24 min. There were no complications was observed. The mean time for patients returning to walk was1.36 ± 0.49 days.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that ingrown toenail can be surgically treated without matricectomy and preserved the nail. All necrotic tissue and certain volume of soft tissue surrounding the lesion should be ablated to decompress the nail and reduce inflammation.
Keywords: CO2 laser; Toe nail; ingrown toenails; local anesthesia; preservation nail and matrix; therapy.
Question: What is the treatment for ingrown toenail can be surgically treated without matricectomy and preserved the nail?
Findings: In this retrospective study, 52 surgical procedures were performed on 47 patients, all lesions’ results were cured except 3 with relapse (the cure rate is 94.23%).Meaning: This surgical treatment for ingrown toenails by using CO2 Laser can alleviated pain rapidly with less recovery time, no complications and lower recurrence rate which could improves quality of life.