Abstract:

Abstract Background: In ingrown toenail, classifications and the treatment approaches according to staging has been clearly reported in the literature. However, there are not enough data about the selection of the appropriate surgical technique according to the stage. In this study, we compared two different surgical techniques in patients with Heifetz stage 2 and 3 in means of surgical results, recovery time, patient comfort and cosmetics. Methods: Between January 2019 and January 21, patients who applied with the complaint of ingrown toenails who were treated with two mentioned surgical techniques in two centers with at least 1 year follow-up were included. The patients were evaluated preoperatively in means of the Heifetz classification. In group 1 (n:54) matrix excising Winograd and in group 2 (n:51) matrix preserving Vandenbos techniques were used. Postoperative recovery time, complication rates, functional and cosmetic patient satisfaction were evaluated in tall cases. Results: 105 cases of ingrown toenails treated surgically were included in the study. 62 (59%) cases were Heifetz stage 2, 43 (41%) cases were Heifetz stage 3. No statistically significant difference was found between Heifetz stage 2 and stage 3, regardless of surgical technique, in complication, recurrence, patient functional/cosmetic satisfaction rates, and recovery time. In overall analysis regardless of Heifetz staging, recovery time was shorter with Winograd method (p:0.0001), complication and recurrence rates were lower with Vandenbos method (p:0.0001), and VAS cosmetic satisfaction was higher in Vandenbos (p:0.002). Conclusion: Winograd and Vandenbos in Heifitz stages 2 and 3 have low complication rates and high patient satisfaction. Earlier healing could be achieved with the Winograd technique, while low complication/recurrence rates and high cosmetic satisfaction could be achieved with the Vandenbos technique. Early recovery/high cosmetic expectation should be considered instead of Heifetz staging in determining the surgical technique.

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