The Foot Health Clinic

In Growing Toe Nail Chemical

Aim Of This Article

To provide you with information to assist you in making an informed choice, whether or not to undergo foot surgery. This procedure is often referred to as a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) or Total Nail Avulsion (TNA) procedure with cautery or phenolisation.

Aims Of This Procedure

Relief of pain or deformity by 'permanent' removal of a deformed nail edge or whole nail of an ingrowing toenail.

The Procedure

The ingrowing section of nail is removed along with its piece of root. Phenol is used to prevent the edge from regrowing. This procedure does not require sutures.

Approximate procedure time 10-20 minutes.

Approximate Recovery Times

Days 0-3	Heel of flat foot walking only with minimal pressure on the operated toe. Rest with your foot elevated. Wear pen toe sandals.
Week 1	Reduced walking only. Elevate your foot when possible. The first re-dressing is performed, after which daily salt water foot soaks for 10 mins should be started.
Week 1-2	Inflammation should start to subside. Gradual return to non-sporting activities (work) as felt comfortable. Return to driving in normal shoes when it is safe to.
Week 4-8	Continued improvement. Inflammation and suppuration (oozing) should have subsided.
Months 3-6	For most people the full benefit of surgery is by now.

Specific Risks Of This Operation

Possibility of permanent loss or distortion of the whole toenail
Possibility of permanent loss of the toe due to circulation damage.
Regrowth of the ingrown nail edge or a small spur of nail.

General Risks Of Surgery

Infection minor or major
Delayed healing of soft tissues or bone.
Swelling, short or long term.
Numbness, short or long term.
Scar problems, Pain Thickening Discolouration.
Chronic (long term) Pain Syndromes.
Anaesthetic and medication complications.
Damage to Circulation. Haematoma (Bleeding into the skin)
Blood clots, DVT and Thrombosis, Heart attack.
Failed procedure, Deterioration, Fatality from complications

Anaesthetics

We specialise in providing Regional Local Anaesthesia. We use injections to numb your foot, so you do not have to be put to sleep.

Going Home

You are able to go home the same day, but you must be driven home and have a responsible adult to stay with you.

Further Information

If you have any questions please ask the team Consultant or a member of the Podiatric Surgical Team during your consultation.

This leaflet should be read in conjunction with Patients Pre-Op Information Booklet available at the Practice