Abstract:

Aim: Ingrowing toenail is a very common disease which causes workforce losses. Although different techniques have been described in surgical treatment, one of the most frequently preferred methods is partial matrixectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the two techniques of curettage only and curettage together with electrocautery(C&E) used in addition to partial matrixectomy in ingrowing toenail surgery. Methods: Patients who were operated for ingrown nails between 2018 and 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Two groups were formed of 43 patients applied with curettage only and 35 patients applied with C&E. The groups were compared in respect of operating time, postoperative complications and clinical results. Results: No significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of age, gender, affected side, classification, follow-up time, surgical duration and recovery time. Recurrence rate was higher in the curettage group (p=0.020) It occurred in 9 (20.9%) cases in the curettage group, while it occurred in 1 (2.9%) case in the C&E group. In the curettage group, the duration of erythema was observed to be significantly longer (p<0.001) and there was a need for more dressings (p<0.001). In the C&E group, serous exudate was seen for a longer period (p=0,007). Conclusion: The disadvantages of curettage applied in addition to partial matrixectomy in ingrown toenail surgery are, a higher rate of recurrence, longer duration of erythema, need for more dressings while the disadvantage of C&E is the longer duration of serous exudate. In respect of infection rates and time to recovery, no difference was determined between the two techniques.

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