The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
Information for patients
undergoing nail surgery
Department of Podiatry
Community Health
Information for patients undergoing nail surgery
What is nail surgery?
Nail surgery is a minor operation which is routinely
carried out to treat painful toenail conditions such
as involuted and ingrowing toenails.
The procedure involves removal of either all of, or part
of the painful toenail. The nail bed is then destroyed
to prevent unwanted painful regrowth.
The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic
so patients do not feel any pain during the surgery.
Who will carry out my nail surgery?
One of the department’s Podiatrists will conduct
the procedure which includes the administration
of the local anaesthetic.
The Podiatrist is assisted during the surgery
by a Podiatry Assistant.
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Information for patients undergoing nail surgery
What will happen on the day of my surgery?
l On arrival you should book in with the Receptionist.
lYou will be called through to the treatment room
and be asked to remove both your shoes and
socks/tights etc.
lThe Podiatrist will re-check your health and
medication you are taking and confirm with you
which toenail(s) will be operated on. It is very
important that you inform the Podiatrist if there
has been any changes to your health or medication
as these may have an affect on the anaesthetic
or your post-operative healing.
lYou will have the opportunity to ask any questions.
lThe Podiatrist will then ask you to sign your consent
form. By doing so, you are confirming that you
understand the proposed treatment including
any potential risks/complications.
lThe Podiatrist will then administer the anaesthetic
to the base of the affected toe(s).
lAfter approximately 5 –10 minutes, the Podiatrist
will check that your toe(s) has gone numb. It is
important to realise that the local anaesthetic will
get rid of the sensation of pain/sharpness only.
You should still expect to feel pressure, touch,
movement and temperature. The Podiatrist will
not proceed until the toe is completely numb.
lThe toe(s) is then painted with an antiseptic
solution and a tight rubber ring is applied.
lIt is normal to feel pressure during surgery.
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Information for patients undergoing nail surgery
lOnce surgery has finished the nailbed is destroyed
which should prevent the nail from regrowing.
lThe tight rubber ring is then removed and an
antiseptic dressing is applied. This dressing should
be left in place until your follow up appointment
with the department.
lYou will be expected to remain in the treatment
room for 5 –10 minutes following your surgery
to check for any post-operative bleeding.
lYou will be given post-operative advice following
your surgery as well as a follow up appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat before my surgery?
Yes, as the operation is carried out under
local anaesthetic you can eat and drink as normal.
Can I bring anything with me to my surgery?
Yes, you can bring a magazine, book or personal
stereo/iPod to your appointment.
How long does the surgery take?
we allow 40– 45 minutes for each patient but the
operation itself only takes about 10 minutes. It is
important that you arrive in good time for your surgery.
How long does the anaesthetic last?
Approximately 2 – 3 hours.
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Information for patients undergoing nail surgery
Can I drive after my surgery?
No, not until the anaesthetic has worn off. It is also not
recommended that you drive any significant distance for
the first couple of days after surgery.
How much pain should I expect after surgery?
This depends on individual patients, but the surgical site
may feel uncomfortable for a couple of days. Normal
painkillers should be sufficient to deal with any pain you
experience. Sudden increase in pain several days after
surgery may indicate an infection. You should contact
the department straight away.
How long does it take for the surgical
site to heal?
This depends on a number of factors such as a patient’s
health, circulation, medication etc. The average healing
time for a partial nail removal is 4– 6 weeks and for
a full nail removal 6–8 weeks.
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Information for patients undergoing nail surgery
Are there any risks/complications
associated with nail surgery?
Like with all surgical procedures there are
risks/complications which can occur. These include:
Infection
A very few infections occur after surgery but can
cause pain, swelling and discharge from the surgical
site. They also slow down the healing process.
Most infections do however respond well to antibiotics.
Regrowth
In Podiatry, approximately 5% of patients experience
some regrowth of the nail which has been removed.
This regrowth is not always painful and further surgery
can be carried out if required.
Nail shedding
When removing part of a painful nail, the remaining
section of nail sometimes becomes loose and detaches
from the nail bed. This section will grow back but can
take up to 6–8 months to do so.
Nerve trauma
This very rare complication occurs when a nerve in the
toe becomes damaged by the needle used for injecting
the anaesthetic. Patients can experience numbness
and altered sensation for 12 months or more. Needle
trauma affects approximately 1 in 5000 patients.
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Information for patients undergoing nail surgery
We value your comments
If you have any comments or concerns about the care
we have provided, please let us know, or, alternatively,
you can write to:
Patient Services
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
Rotherham Hospital
Moorgate Road
Oakwood
Rotherham
S60 2UD
Telephone 01709 424461
Email [email protected]
If you require this document in another language,
large print, braille or audio version, please contact
Patient Information on 01709 424281.
Produced by The Department of Podiatry August 2011.
Revision due August 2013. Version: 1.0
©The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 2011.
All rights reserved.
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Information for patients undergoing nail surgery
Your nail surgery appointment
The following appointment has been made for
you to undergo Nail Surgery.
Date
Time
If you are unable to keep this appointment,
please contact us as soon as possible.
Please remember on your day of surgery
lBring with you a pair of sandals/loose fitting slippers
to accomodate the dressing.
lDetails of any changes in your health or medication.
lSomeone who can drive you home safely
after your surgery.
For further information, please contact us
at the address below:
Department of Podiatry
Rotherham Community Health Centre
Greasbrough Road
Rotherham
S60 1RY
Telephone 01709 423200
Email [email protected]
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Information for patients undergoing nail surgery
Notes
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Information for patients undergoing nail surgery
How to contact us
Department of Podiatry
Rotherham Community Health Centre
Greasbrough Road
Rotherham
S60 1RY
Telephone 01709 423200
Email [email protected]
Rotherham Hospital
Health Info
Telephone 01709 427190
Appointments Office
Telephone 01709 423200
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Sustainable Forests / Low chlorine
Department of Podiatry
LS 5 08/11 V1 WFO
Rotherham Hospital
Moorgate Road
Oakwood
Rotherham
S60 2UD
Telephone 01709 820000
www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk