Comparison of phenol applications of different durations for the cauterization of the germinal matrix: an efficacy and safety study
Abstract
Methods: The study included 148 ingrowing nails (grade 2-3) of 110 patients (54 males, 56 females). The patients were randomized to three groups for 1-, 2-, and 3-minute applications of phenol cauterization of the germinal matrix following surgical removal of ingrowing nails. Postoperative evaluations were made on days 2, 10, 16, 24, and 30 for pain, drainage, and tissue damage. Recurrences were recorded during a follow-up of 24 months.
Results: Improvements in pain, drainage, and tissue damage in each group were significant (p<0.001). Time to complete healing and durations of drainage and tissue damage were significantly shorter in patients receiving 1-minute phenol application (p<0.001), and the remaining groups did not differ in this respect. The mean duration of pain was similar in three groups. While the frequencies of pain and tissue damage were similar in three phenol groups, the number of patients having drainage on day 16 was significantly lower with 1-minute phenol application (p<0.001). All recurrences appeared in the sixth month and there was no significant difference between the three groups with respect to the recurrence rate.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that 1-minute phenol cauterization of the germinal matrix has a better safety profile than prolonged applications in the treatment of ingrown nails.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Semih Tatlican
This is me
Burcu Yamangokturk
This is me
Cemile Eren
This is me
Fatma Eskioglu
This is me
Sinan Adiyaman
This is me
Publication Date
September 22, 2009
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2009 Volume: 43 Number: 4