Recurrence and satisfaction with sutured surgical treatment of an ingrown toenail

Background In the present study, we investigated the satisfaction of patients following sutured surgical treatment of an ingrown toenail with nail preservation and without matricectomy. Materials and methods This study was retrospective. In total, 37 consecutive patients underwent 54 ingrown toenail surgeries. The clinical outcomes, satisfaction of surgery, recurrence rates and the duration of symptoms were compared. Results Recurrence with the technique was very low (one toenail). The mean overall satisfaction score on the surgical satisfaction questionnaire was 86.4 ± 10.4 and extended with a modified esthetic subscale (88 ± 10). The mean pain subscale score was the lowest at 77.1 ± 16.8, while the subscale returns to baseline scored 80.9 ± 16.4, the subscale global satisfaction scored 98.1 ± 7.2 and the subscale esthetics scored 92.1 ± 15. Conclusion Our suturing technique was associated with low recurrence and high satisfaction rates. We showed that higher levels of satisfaction with the treatment were achieved in men, and the duration of symptoms was no longer than one year.
Highlights • This sutured surgery technique for ingrown toenails with the complete preservation of the nail and matrix led to high patient satisfaction with the therapeutic and esthetic results. • This approach preserved nail function to improve both therapeutic and cosmetic results.