Radioelectrosurgery and cryosurgery in ingrown nails

Introduction: Onychocryptosis – or ingrown nail – is a painful condition caused by the nail plate''''''''s penetration into the soft surrounding tissue. Several surgical or more conservative therapeutic options are employed. In contrast with other invasive treatments, the combined technique of radioelectrosurgery and cryosurgery does not cause permanent damage to the nail matrix or fold, and presents several advantages when compared to more common treatments.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined radioelectrosurgery and cryosurgery in the treatment of ingrown nails.
Methods: Retrospective observational study. Patients with onychocryptosis (n = 16) were administered radiofrequency-based electrosurgery to remove the granulation tissue to promote the accommodation of the nail plate, followed by freezing with liquid nitrogen.
Results: Ten days after treatment, patients described improvement in the discomfort caused by the condition and could start wearing shoes again. Only one patient presented a recurrence in one nail extremities during the 24-month follow-up period, and was treated again using the technique.
Conclusions: This technique is convenient for its easy execution, cost effectiveness, good cosmetic results and patient satisfaction.

Keywords: INGROWN NAILS, CRYOTERAPY, RADIOSURGERY, ELETROSURGERY, CRYOSURGERY